Why did Queen Elizabeth the first not get rid of the restrictions for lent?
The religious settlement crafted under Elizabeth I in 1558 created a moderately reforrned church in doctrine, leaning towards Lutheranism and nodding at Calvinism, but one that still emphasized a continuity with Roman Catholic and Apostolic teachings. While the Queen became the Church’s titular head, actual ministry and sacraments were left to the clergy. In other words, the Church of English morphed into “Catholic Lite”–at least from the American Protestant point-of-view. Accordingly, some traditions really weren’t toyed with, although observance of Lent by contemporary Anglicans and Episcopalians falls more into the voluntary giving up of pleasures in remembrance of Christ’s suffering category. Lent is not an official practice of the Anglican Church, although giving up meat between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday is certainly encouraged. Even more common among Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and all Protestants who observe Lent is the giving up of something you enjoy–for example, text
