(25 Car. II c. 2) This act strengthened the Corporation Act of 1661 by requiring all office holders under the Crown, including Members of Parliament, to receive Holy Communion in the Church of England at least once a year, to swear allegiance to the crown, and to declare themselves opposed to the doctrine of transubstantiation (the article of Roman Catholic faith which holds that the eucharist actually becomes the flesh of Christ when administered as a sacrament). The Act effectively disbarred both Dissenters and Catholics from military, political and public office. Where Protestant Dissenters were concerned, its effect was moderated by the Toleration Act passed by the new government of William of Orange in 1689. It remained in force against Catholics until repealed in 1829 by the…

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Citation: Editors, Litencyc. "Test Acts". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 16 February 2005 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=1096, accessed 23 November 2024.]