How did William Laud’s beliefs differ from Puritan beliefs about worship?

William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury from 1633 to 1645, held views on worship that stood in direct opposition to those of the Puritans. Their differences centered on the role of ceremony, the nature of the ministry, and the importance of outward uniformity.1

Divergent Views on Worship

• Ceremony and Uniformity: Laud believed that outward uniformity, order, and ceremony were essential for true inward worship. He strictly enforced the Book of Common Prayer, mandating practices such as the wearing of surplices, bowing at the name of Jesus, and placing the communion table at the east end of the chancel, railed off from the congregation.1
• Puritan Perspective: Puritans viewed these rituals as remnants of Roman Catholic "popery" and "idolatry". They sought to "purify" the Church of England of such practices, emphasizing instead a religious experience centered on preaching and scripture.12
• The Role of Preaching: For Puritans, preaching was the essential task of the ministry. Conversely, Laud viewed Puritan "lectureships" and their emphasis on preaching as dangerous sources of religious division, leading him to curtail and control them.12

While Laud sought to restore the church's order and beauty through these reforms, Puritans perceived his actions as a regression toward popery, fueling the intense conflict that ultimately contributed to the English Civil War.12