5 - Royal declaration for the peace of the Church, 1628-9

Summary

His maiesties declaration.

Being by Gods ordinance, according to our iust title, defender of the faith, and supreame governour of the Church, within these our dominions, wee hold it most agreeable to this our kingly office, and our owne religious zeale, to conserve and maintaine the Church committed to our charge in die unity of true religion, and in the bond of peace: and not to suffer unnecessary disputations, altercations, or questions to bee raysed, which may nourish faction both in the Church and common-wealth. Wee have therefore upon mature deliberation, and with the advise of so many of our bishops as might conveniently bee called together, thought fitte to make this declaration following.

That the articles of the Church of England (which have been allowed and authorized heretofore, and which our clergie generally, have subscribed unto) do containe the true doctrine of the Church of England, agreeable to Gods word: which wee doe therefore ratifie and confirme, requiring all our loving subiects to continue in the uniforme profession thereof; and prohibiting the least difference from the sayd articles, which to that end wee commaund to be new printed, and this our declaration to be published therewith.

That we are supreame governour of the Church of England: and that if any difference arise about the externall policie, concerning iniunctions, canons, or other constitutions whatsoever thereto belonging: the clergie in their convocation is to order and settle them, having first obtained leave under our broad seale so to doe: and wee approving their sayd ordinances and constitutions, providing that none be made contrary to the lawes and customes of the land.

That out of our princely care, that the churchmen may doe the worke which is proper unto them, the bishops and clergie, from time to time in convocation, upon their humble desire shall have licence under our broad sede, to deliberate of, and to doe dl such things, as being made plaine by them, and assented unto by us, shall concerne the settled continuance of the doctrine and discipline of the Church of England now established: from which we will not endure any varying, or departing in the least degree.