What Caused Henry VIII to Break From the Roman Catholic Church & Form the Church of England?

Henry VIII's separation from the Catholic Church was not prompted by a theological dispute. In fact, he was a staunch Catholic early in his reign. His decision to establish the Church of England was based on practical and financial matters.

Monastery

Annulment

Henry was married to Catherine of Aragon for 18 years, but their marriage did not produce a son. Henry asked Pope Clement VII to grant him an annulment so he could remarry, but Clement refused.

Anne Boleyn

Henry was interested in Anne Boleyn, one of the Queen Catherine's attendants. She was attractive and young, and Henry felt that she could possibly bear him a son to succeed him as king.

Freedom From Papal Jurisdiction

Catholic countries had to obey the pope in matters pertaining to faith. When he officially cut all ties with the papacy using the Act in Restraint of Appeals, Henry no longer had any obligations toward the papacy.

Head of the Church of England

On breaking with the papacy, Henry declared himself to be the ruler of the Church of England through the Act of Supremacy.

Monastic Wealth

After separating from the Catholic Church, Henry liquidated the Church's monasteries in England and purloined their wealth. In total, this brought £1.3 million into Henry's treasury.

References

• Henry VIII; J. J. Scarisbrick; Encyclopedia Americana
• History of the Monarchy -- Henry VIII
• MSN Encarta: Henry VIII