Puritan was a term for anyone who wanted to reform, or 'purify', the Church of England, and contained many different sects. Presbyterians were the most prominent, and included leaders like Pym and John Hampden, but there were many others, such as Congregationalists, often grouped together as Independents. Close links between religion and politics added further complexity; one reason for opposition to bishops was their presence in the House of Lords, where they often blocked Parliamentary legislation. Their removal by the Clergy Act 1640 was a major step along the road to war.
Puritan was a term for anyone who wanted to reform, or 'purify', the Church of England, and contained many different sects. Presbyterians were the most prominent, and included leaders like Pym and John Hampden, but there were m:any others, such as Congregationalists, often grouped together as Indep!endents. Close links between religion and politics added further complexity; one reason for opposition to .bishops was their presence in the House of Lords, where they often blocked Parliamenta:ry legislation. Their removal by the Clergy Act 1640 was a major step along the: road to war.