Laudianism

Laudianism refers to the religious movement associated with Archbishop William Laud during early 17th-century England. It emphasized restoring and enforcing more ceremonial practices, art, and decorum in church services, aligning closely with Catholic traditions, which many viewed as a departure from Protestant simplicity. Laudian reforms aimed to enhance reverence and unity in worship but faced opposition from Puritans and other reformers who favored simpler, scripture-based practices. Ultimately, Laudianism played a significant role in increasing religious tensions leading up to the English Civil War.