Clerical Subscription and the Act of Uniformity
Written in the mid-19th century by Edward Hoare, 'Clerical Subscription and the Act of Uniformity' critically examines the Church of England's subscription to doctrine and ritual as mandated by the Act of Uniformity. Hoare argues that the current subscription is overly imposed by the state, rather than emerging from the church itself, and advocates for reforms that would alleviate conscientious objections. He emphasizes the need to distinguish between doctrinal agreement and ritual approval, suggesting that adherence to the Thirty-Nine Articles should take precedence over the Act's stringent requirements. This work provides insight into the complex relationship between church and state during a transformative period in religious law.
