How did the Puritans challenge Elizabeth I's religious policies?

The Puritans challenged Elizabeth I's religious policies by pushing for further reforms to remove Catholic elements from the Church of England.

Elizabeth I established the Elizabethan Religious Settlement in 1559, aiming to create a moderate form of Protestantism that would be acceptable to most of her subjects. However, the Puritans, a group of devout Protestants, believed that the settlement did not go far enough in purging the Church of England of Catholic practices and influences. They sought to "purify" the church, hence their name.

One of the main ways the Puritans challenged Elizabeth's policies was through their demands for changes in church services and governance. They wanted to eliminate rituals and ceremonies that they saw as remnants of Catholicism, such as the use of vestments (special robes worn by clergy), the sign of the cross in baptism, and kneeling during communion. The Puritans also advocated for a simpler form of worship and the removal of bishops, preferring a Presbyterian system where church leaders were elected by congregations.

The Puritans' dissatisfaction often led to conflicts with Elizabeth and her government. For instance, in the 1570s and 1580s, Puritan MPs in Parliament attempted to introduce bills to reform the church, but these efforts were usually blocked by the Queen and her advisors. Elizabeth was determined to maintain control over religious matters and saw the Puritans' demands as a threat to her authority.

Additionally, Puritan preachers and writers spread their ideas through sermons and pamphlets, criticising the established church and calling for further reforms. This sometimes led to clashes with church authorities, who saw these activities as subversive. Some Puritans faced fines, imprisonment, or even exile for their persistent efforts to change the church.

In summary, the Puritans challenged Elizabeth I's religious policies by advocating for more radical reforms to remove Catholic elements from the Church of England, leading to ongoing tensions and conflicts with the Queen and her government.