THE POWER OF THE CHURCH

SSWH7 The student will analyze European medieval society with regard to culture, politics, society, and economics.

b. Describe the political impact of Christianity; include Pope Gregory VII and King Henry IV of Germany (Holy Roman Empire).

c. Explain the Role of the church in medieval society.

GPS STANDARD

How was the structure of the Church like that of the feudal system?

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Yes! This will be long. No! You do not need to write every single word on

each slide. Yes! This is going to benefit you, because you WILL be

tested on this. LOVE YOU! We can do it!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

As the church expanded in politics, strong rulers began to question pope’s authority.

Struggle for power between Kings and church authority.

AUTHORITY OF THE CHURCH

Like the system of feudalism, church had its own organization.

Different ranks of clergy(religious officials). 1. Pope headed the church in Rome. 2. All clergy(bishops and priests) fell under his authority. 3. Bishops supervised priests4. Priests were the main contact with the people.

STRUCTURE OF THE CHURCH

Feudal system/manor system created division amongst people, BUT they shared beliefs in the teachings of the Church.

Stable force in times of war.Creating sense of security and belonging Religion is center stage. Sacraments: important religious ceremonies

RELIGIOUS AS A UNIFIED FORCE

Created a system of justice to guide people's conduct.

Canon law(church law): Christians, kings, and peasants alike are subject to church law. (i.e. Marriage and religious practices).

Used threat of excommunication or banishment from the church

THE LAW OF THE CHURCH

Otto the Great: Followed Charlemagne's foot steps. Built his power base by gaining support from the

church. German-Italian empire= Holy Roman Empire

HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE

Lay investiture: a ceremony in which kings and nobles appointed church officials.

Pope Gregory VII- banned lay investiture because church reformers felt that kings should not have power to choose who was leading the church. Rome Church got it’s power from God Alone. Pope had the power to remove an emperor.

EMPEROR CLASHES WITH THE POPE

Called a meeting of German bishops he had appointed.

With their approval, he ordered Pope Gregory to step down.

Pope Gregory excommunicated Henry IV Henry IV needed to save his throne by asking

forgiveness.

HENRY IV

January 1077- Henry IV waited in the snow in the a town called Canossa in the Alps.

Pope Gregory VII made him wait 3 days before ending his excommunication.

HENRY IV VS. POPE GREGORY VII