What was the Reformation parliament?

The Reformation Parliament was the English parliament that passed significant legislation leading to the English Reformation. The pieces of legislation were passed between 1532 and 1534, leading to the separation with Rome.

The English Reformation mostly affected religious practice and the general way of life. Prior to the Reformation, the Church had sweeping authority over the administration of the region and the general way of life. For instance, the church prevented the King (Henry VIII) from divorcing his wife Catherine of Aragon. However, the Reformation Parliament, at the behest of the King, passed legislation that gave it authority over the realm. Further, previous powers vested on the Pope were transferred to the Crown.

The power shift from the Pope to the Crown was instituted through parliament, which made royal power increasingly potent. This was because of the support coming from the peoples’ representatives in parliament.