 Henry , to Thomas Cromwell 's annoyance , insisted on parliamentary time to discuss questions of faith , which he achieved through the Duke of Norfolk . This led to the passing of the Act of Six Articles , whereby six major questions were all answered by asserting the religious orthodoxy , thus restraining the reform movement in England . It was followed by the beginnings of a reformed liturgy and of the Book of Common Prayer , which would take until 1549 to complete . The victory won by religious conservatives did not convert into much change in personnel , however , and Cranmer remained in his position . Overall , the rest of Henry 's reign saw a subtle movement away from religious orthodoxy , helped in part by the deaths of prominent figures from before the break with Rome , especially the executions of Thomas More and John Fisher in 1535 for refusing to renounce papal authority . Henry established a new political theology of obedience to the crown that was continued for the next decade . It reflected Martin Luther 's new interpretation of the fourth commandment ( " Honour thy father and mother " ) , brought to England by William Tyndale . The founding of royal authority on the Ten Commandments was another important shift : reformers within the Church utilised the Commandments ' emphasis on faith and the word of God , while conservatives emphasised the need for dedication to God and doing good . The reformers ' efforts lay behind the publication of the Great Bible in 1539 in English . Protestant Reformers still faced persecution , particularly over objections to Henry 's annulment . Many fled abroad , including the influential Tyndale , who was eventually executed and his body burned at Henry 's behest . 
