Synod Gallery

Wycliffe explains his thoughts before the Archbishop

John Wycliffe (circa 1320s 1384) -an English scholastic philosopher, theologian, biblical translator, reformer, priest, and a seminary professor at the University of Oxford. He became an influential dissident within the Roman Catholic priesthood during the 14th century and is considered an important predecessor to Protestantism. Wycliffe attacked the privileged status of the clergy, which had bolstered their powerful role in England. He then attacked the luxury and pomp of local parishes and their ceremonies. On 17 November 1382, Wycliffe was summoned before a synod at Oxford, here he explained his thoughts before the Archbishop of Canterbury and other Bishops.
1382

© Mary Evans Picture Library/Tom Gillmor