'Despite the break with Rome, Henry VIII never seriously abandoned the Catholic Faith in the years 1529-47.' Explain why you agree/disagree with this view (25marks)

Henry's religious policy was inconsistent and indecisive, swinging between Catholicism and Protestant reform. Fundamentally the break with Rome was the result of Henry's quest to gain a male heir and consequently a divorce, which could only be gained through Parliament. From the perspective of Rome and the Catholic Church, Henry VIII abandoned the Catholic faith which resulted in him being excommunicated in 1538 and England breaking the bond of communion. Despite the break with Rome Henry remained personally and theoretically a Catholic, emphasising that his reign didn't constitute of a wholly Protestant reformation. More significant religious changes were made under the rule of Edward VI and Elizabeth I.Argument for Protestantism-Act of Supremacy 1534 and Act in Restraint of Appeals demonstrated that Henry did repudiate the authority of the Pope (must be acknowledged that this was the only way a divorce was possible given the sheer authority of Charles II). Dissolution of monasteries (1536 onwards), 10 articles of 1536, Bishops book of 1537 (Bible printed in English) all support the move away from the Catholic Church. Henry's excommunication in 1538 shows that in the eyes of Catholic Church he was no longer a Roman Catholic, consequently Henry branched out to European Protestant countries is illustrated in the Cleves alliance of 1539 and the 1544 Succession Act.Argument for Catholicism-Majority of legislation against Catholicism was motivation by the desire to gain annulment and acquire financial resources rather than religious beliefs. Following the fall of Cromwell, there is evidently a swing back to Catholicism with the 6 Articles of 1539 and the King's book of 1543 both reasserting key Catholic beliefs, however it has been suggested that these were only passed to appease Catholic Europe as England feared a French invasion. Henry's Catholic faith is demonstrated in his request for requiem masses to be said in perpetuity (Catholic) following his death.Conclusion-Henry VIII did abandon his loyalties to the Church of Rome as a result for his quest for a divorce, essentially his reign did reform and challenge some Catholic beliefs. However, the break with Rome was politically motivated rather than theological, in Henry's mind he never truly abandoned the Catholic faith and his actions towards the end of his reign (swing back to Catholicism) showed that he was not prepared to abandon the sacraments, thus he died a Catholic.