Anti-papal Legislation Formulated In The 14th Century England

The purpose of this essay is to analyze the promulgation and implementation of Anti-papal Legislation passed by the English Crown and parliament in the 14th century. It is composed of four chapters.Chapter one focuses on the background of the enactment of Anti-papal Legislation, including the Statute of Provisors in 1351 and the Statute of Praemunire in 1353. The paper tries to make an elaboration on a long historical tradition of anti-papacy in different perspectives respectively, formation and development of Church's power, relationship between English Institution and Law, ideological and political environment in Western Europe. In rebelling against the Pope, anti-papal struggles were accompanied with extension of power held by the Church, thus it was much of necessity in formulating the Law.The formulating process and detailed content of the Law are mainly demonstrated in Chapter two. Before the 14th century, anti-papal movements and anti-papal feelings aroused among the English people were totally neglected by the Pope. While in the early 14th century, during the Avignon Captivity, interference and invasion of England was becoming increasingly severe, which spurred the intensive agony at the Pope with a result in appealing to the new legislation to be put forward. In addition, specific analysis of content is an integrated part of the whole chapter.In the third chapter, implementation of anti-papal legislation is illustrated from two different periods. At the very beginning, the Law served as a tool in balancing power between the secular and the Pope based on the relations between home and domestic situations and the Pope. In restraining his provisions in England in accordance with the Law, alien monasteries were eventually driven out of the England. In King Henry VIII's governess, it was applied as a legal guidance in drafting other laws and regulations.Chapter four aims at exploring the significance of Anti-papal legislation. By nature the Law is the conflict between the Church and the King in robbing provisions power and economic resources. It ended with the gradual decline of jurisdiction rights once exercised by the Pope. Anti-papal legislation played an important role in help of establishing the Royal Supremacy atmosphere and the national church in England.Anti-papal Legislation formed in the 14th century is the outcome of years of joint efforts of the English people and of struggling between the Pope and the King in terms of provisionsas well. It is a historical trend meeting the demands of nationalism and the rising royalty power at that time. Giving a heavy blow to the Catholic system, the statutes as a solid legal basis for the religious reform to be held in the 16th century not only restrained the influence of the papacy exerted in the country but improved the law systems of England. And implementation of the Law paved the way for the breakup between England and the Roman Church and establishment of the national Church. By frequently following articles concerned in the Law, Henry VIII effectively stimulated the development of religious reform in successfully maintaining royal supremacy and setting up national church in the country.