Religion Act 1592 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act For the preventing and avoiding of such great inconveniencies and perils as might happen and grow by the wicked and dangerous practices of seditious sectaries and disloyal persons. |
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| Citation | 35 Eliz. 1. c. 1 |
The Religion Act 1592 was a law made by the Parliament of England in 1592. This law aimed to control people's religious practices. It was especially strict on those who did not follow the official Church of England.
The Act said that anyone over 16 years old could be put in jail without bail. This happened if they did not go to church or convinced others not to go. It also applied if they questioned Queen Elizabeth I's power in religious matters. Attending unauthorized religious meetings was also against this law.
The Court of High Commission was the court that handled cases under this Act. If someone broke the law, they had three months to change their ways. If they did not, they would be sent out of England forever. The Act also fined people who hid "recusants" (those who refused to go to church). The fine was £10 for each month they were hidden.
The law was meant to last only until the next Parliament session ended. However, it stayed in effect for a long time. For example, in 1661, a writer named John Bunyan was put on trial. He was found guilty of not obeying this very old law.
Contents
What Was the Religion Act 1592?
The Religion Act 1592 was a special law passed in England. It was created to make sure everyone followed the rules of the Church of England. This was important to Queen Elizabeth I. She wanted religious unity in her kingdom.
Why Was This Law Made?
During Queen Elizabeth I's rule, there were tensions about religion. Some people, called Puritans or Separatists, wanted different church practices. Others remained loyal to the Roman Catholic Church. The Queen wanted to keep peace and her authority. This law helped her control religious groups that she saw as a threat.
Who Did the Law Affect?
The law mainly affected people who did not attend the official church services. It also targeted those who tried to get others to skip church. If you spoke against the Queen's religious authority, you could also be in trouble. People who went to secret religious meetings were also breaking this law.
Later Attempts to Change the Law
Years later, in 1680, people tried to get rid of this law. This happened during a time called the Exclusion Crisis. The Parliament wanted to cancel the Act. They passed a bill to do this.
Why the Law Stayed
On January 10, 1681, the Parliament session was ending. The bill to repeal the Act was supposed to be signed by King Charles II. But King Charles II told his clerk to take the bill back. This meant the old law stayed in place.
How Long Was the Law Used?
Even after attempts to repeal it, the Act was still used. As late as 1683, it was used against a group of Quakers. They were holding a meeting in London. This shows how long the law remained active.
