Declaration of Indulgence (1672)

The Declaration of Indulgence, also known as the Royal Declaration of Indulgence, was a proclamation issued by King Charles II of England in 1672. It suspended the execution of penal laws against religious nonconformists, both Protestant dissenters and Roman Catholics, who refused to adhere to the Church of England.

The Declaration aimed to promote religious tolerance and national unity, particularly in the aftermath of the Third Anglo-Dutch War. It allowed Protestant nonconformists to worship publicly if they obtained licenses, and Catholics were permitted to worship privately.

However, the Declaration was met with strong opposition from Parliament, which viewed it as an attempt by the King to circumvent parliamentary authority and establish absolute monarchy. Critics also questioned the King's motives, suspecting that his sympathy for Catholics might lead to the re-establishment of Catholicism as the state religion.

In 1673, Parliament passed the Test Act, which required all holders of civil and military office to take an oath denying transubstantiation and to receive communion according to the rites of the Church of England. This effectively barred Catholics and nonconformists from holding public office. Parliament also forced Charles II to withdraw the Declaration of Indulgence.

The Declaration of Indulgence, while short-lived, represents an important episode in the history of religious toleration in England. It highlights the ongoing tension between the Crown and Parliament and reflects the complexities of religious and political life in the 17th century. Its failure led to increased anti-Catholic sentiment and further solidified the established position of the Church of England.