Arthur D. Innes, M.A.: "Cranmer and the Reformation in England: ch. 4-Te...

4: A TENDER CONSCIENCE: 1503-1529, pp.35-41. One gets a high-school level retelling of the story of Henry VIII, the marriage to Catherine of Aragon, Julius 11’s dispensation to allow the marriage, Henry’s undisturbed conscience until children are being still-born, the awakening of Henry’s conscience and new-found scruples (with Anne in view) and the diverse views on the marriage’s nullity. Wolsey was opposed to splitting from Rome as he lusted to be the Pope himself. Gardiner, of course, was a socio-theological ladder-climber so he inclined to his Master’s inclination. Catherine, of course, in nowise favored Henry’s game. Pope Clement, ever-vacillating, needed to keep peace with Charles V. The first steps for “divorce,” or, more accurately, the “nullity” are shaping up. Campeggio and Wolsey play the Pope’s obstructive game. Henry ain’t gonna take this lyin’ down. Conclusion? New methods and strategies are needed. Dr. Cranmer will soon be one of Henry's "tools in the tool kit." As the Papists would later contend, Dr. Cranmer would get an archbishopric out of it. The question: did Dr. Cranmer intend or want that? The jury is listening.