Act of Supremacy
A law that made the king or queen of England the head of the Church of England.

Auto-da-fé
Religious ceremony at which the sentences passed by the Inquisition were carried out.

Counter-Reformation
A response of the Catholic Church to the spread of Protestantism.

Edict
A law passed by an emperor.

Heresy
A religious teaching different to the Church’s teaching.

Heretic
Someone who disagreed with the Church’s religious teachings.

Indulgences
The Church said that indulgences reduced the punishment for sins after a person died.

Lutheran
A follower of Martin Luther.

Protestants
Christians who broke away from the Catholic Church.

Puritans
Followers of the ideas of Calvin who wanted to see more reform of the Church in England.

Reformation
Period of religious change that led to a division among Christians.

Sanbenito
A special cloak worn by those who were condemned by the Inquisition.

Theology
The study of religion.

Tithe
A form of tax.