James 1 Religion

• Puritan

• Calvinist
• Anglican
• Arminian (from 1618)
• Catholic

James was a Calvinist i.e. a moderate not a radical. James had little time

for those who wanted the Church purged of Popish remnants or those who

wanted a Presbyterian (no bishops) form of church government, as had

developed in Scotland.

James said that Presbyterianism ‘accordeth as well with monarchy as God with the Devil’.

James pursued a policy of balance, moderation and (unofficially at any rate) toleration.

• James was tolerant towards Catholics. He called the Catholic Church ‘our mother Church’ though it was ‘clogged with infirmities and corruptions’. His mother, Mary Queen of Scots was seen as a Catholic martyr.

James supported rule of church by bishops (episcopacy) who were appointed by the King. Appointments show James' balanced outlook.

• James made no effort to harmonize the rather different English and ScottishChurches - this was wise. Charles I's attempt to do this helped bring about civil war.
• James' reign was notable for its lack of religious persecution, which is a tribute to James' moderation.

• 1603- Millenary petition
• 1604- Hampton Court Conference
• 1605- Gun power plot (recusancy fines tightend)
• 1606- Oath of allegiance
• 1610- Death of Bancroft
• 1618-Book of sports