Throughout the 15th through 17th centuries, there were many things going on in the Catholic Church that people wanted changed, which is what led to the split of the Church of England in the first place. The Renaissance period, which took place before and during the 15th-17th centuries, is what was seen as the beginning of the Church’s problems. This movement appeared as a revolt against authority; many began questioning accepted views and traditional interpretations.
Most of the Puritans' concerns for the Church were the continued practices of “Catholic tradition,” which included the retention of bishops and deans, the use of clerical vestments, and the continued use of ceremonies, like the sign of the cross. They also wanted to stop the Church from operating on Canon Law, which were ecclesiastical laws established by order of convocation. The main vestment that has been noted is the surplice, which was a white linen vestment for Eucharist and Morning Prayer services. They were also opposed to kneeling for prayer or communion, as Catholics do; the use of the baptismal font; the use and location of the altar; and the use of the organ and non-congregational singing.
Part of the reason that the Puritans wanted to get rid of the bishops and deans was because they were seen as corrupt; they were more interested in exploring their worldly affairs than fulfilling their spiritual duties. The priests and monks were usually poorly educated, and, therefore, could not read or teach. Others broke their priestly vows by marrying, gambling, or drinking excessively. Thus, many people did not agree with what they were doing and wanted different leaders. In 1511, John Colet, humanist dean of St. Paul’s, gave a sermon to the convocation in which he blamed the problems of the Church on the secular lifestyles and the “covetousness” of the clergy. He also greatly criticized the Church on its greed for tithes and promotions. The Puritans believed that their worship should be a simpler form of worship and they should have the right to elect ministers for their own congregation; they wanted their own ministries who would teach the faith and preach the Word of God.
