When did the Church of England become more Protestant?

The Church of England became more Protestant during the reign of Elizabeth I. This era followed the tumultuous periods of her predecessors, particularly the intense Catholic restoration efforts under Mary I, and it coincided with the overall consolidation of Protestantism in England. Elizabeth I established the Elizabethan Religious Settlement, which sought to create a moderate Protestant church that retained some traditional practices to appease both Catholics and Protestants.

Elizabeth's reign was significant because it resulted in the establishment of the Book of Common Prayer and the reaffirmation of the Thirty-Nine Articles, which reflected Protestant theology and practice. This was a pivotal moment that firmly positioned the Church of England in the Protestant camp by emphasizing the authority of the Scriptures and reducing the influence of Catholic doctrine. The Elizabethan Settlement represented a balance that effectively made Protestantism the predominant faith in England, influencing future religious and political dynamics in the region.