Why do you think King Henry VIII insisted that everyone in England belong the Church of England?
Because he wanted to be the supreme ruler of England and didn't want any interference from the Pope.
These three sites will help you with that.
http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/REFORM/ENGLAND.HTM
http://www.renaissance-faire.com/Renfaires/Entertainment/Henry-VIIIA.htm
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/reformation.htm
To understand why King Henry VIII insisted that everyone in England belong to the Church of England, we must look back at the historical and political context during his reign. Here's how we can delve into the answer:
1. Background: Henry VIII ascended to the English throne in 1509 and initially maintained a devout belief in the Catholic Church. However, his motivations for breaking away from the Catholic Church and establishing the Church of England were complex and multifaceted.
2. The Need for a Male Heir: One of the main factors influencing Henry VIII's decision was his desire for a male heir to secure the Tudor dynasty's succession. His first wife, Catherine of Aragon, had failed to provide him with a male heir. In pursuit of an annulment to dissolve his marriage with Catherine, Henry sought the involvement of the Pope. However, the Pope refused to grant the annulment, as Catherine was the aunt of the powerful Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, who held considerable influence over the papacy.
3. Political and Independence Motives: Henry VIII's frustration with the Pope's refusal to grant him an annulment, coupled with his aspiration for greater authority and independence from foreign powers, became significant drivers in his decision to establish a separate church. By breaking away from Rome, Henry could effectively weaken the Pope's influence in England, solidify his own power, and attain greater control over the Church within his realm.
4. The Act of Supremacy: In 1534, the Act of Supremacy was passed in England, declaring Henry VIII as the supreme head of the Church of England. This marked the formal separation from the Pope's authority and the establishment of the English monarch as the ultimate authority in religious matters. Resistance or refusal to acknowledge this change posed significant risks, including accusations of treason.
5. Consolidating Power: Henry VIII's insistence that everyone in England belong to the Church of England was part of his broader plan to consolidate his power. By ensuring the loyalty and obedience of his subjects to the newly established Church, Henry solidified his control over religion, centralizing authority and diminishing the influence of the Catholic Church, clergy, and nobility.
In summary, King Henry VIII insisted that everyone in England belong to the Church of England due to a combination of factors, including his desire for a male heir, political ambitions, pursuit of independence from Rome, and the consolidation of his authority.