We thought that the clergy of our realm had been our subjects wholly, but now we have well perceived that they be but half our subjects, yea, and scarce our subjects; for all the prelates at their consecration make an oath to the Pope, clean contrary to the oath that they make to us, so that they seem to be his subjects, and not ours.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Henry VIII highlights the conflict between loyalty to the crown and loyalty to the Pope, noting the clergy's dual allegiance undermines royal authority.
- In plain terms
- The clergy owe more loyalty to the Pope than to the king.
- What can you take from it?
- Dual loyalties create political instability.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do conflicting loyalties affect governance?
- When should spiritual authority take precedence over state authority?
Another view
This view simplifies the complex religious and political roles of the clergy at the time.
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