Heresy as Treason: English ‘Ecclesiastical Diplomacy’ in the United Provinces, 1610–19

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article characterises the influence of English ‘Ecclesiastical Diplomacy’ on notions of heresy and treason in the United Provinces of the Dutch Republic. It works backwards from the stage of the Globe Theatre in London to the trial of Dutch statesman Johan van Oldenbarnevelt and finally the Synod of Dort in order to explore how cross-channel diplomatic networks were leveraged to reconcile theological and ecclesiastical transnationalism with the formation of a state church. This creates an unlikely but intriguing dialogue between high politics, predestinarian thought, pamphlet culture, mercantilism and even foreign intelligence gathering. The dialogue exposes interconnection between the courts of James I and Maurice of Orange and the English and Dutch churches, which leads to a reassessment of the significance of Synod of Dort in early modern diplomatic history and the magisterial reformation.