No Neutral Ground

When Truth is Under Siege, It’s Time to Plant Your Flag

In the 16th century, Pope Clement VII refused to grant an annulment to the marriage between England’s King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. In response, Henry rejected the authority of the pope and had himself declared “Supreme Head of the Church of England.”

When Henry required all royal officials and church clergy to affirm his headship by signing the Oath of Supremacy, his chancellor, Sir Thomas More, resigned. The 1966 film A Man for All Seasons vividly depicts the ordeal More endured as a result. His conscience prevented him from endorsing King Henry’s takeover of the church, but, knowing that open opposition to the king would be fatal, More did not state a reason for his resignation. He...