Catholic involvement in the 1600s

[Birchy]

What was the threat from Catholicism in the reign of Charles II? And why was he so pro-Test Act in order to curb the threat? Couldn't he have ruled over Britain with a combination of Protestants AND Catholics?

[geofbob]

In fact, Charles converted to Catholicism on his death-bed, and during his reign was fairly tolerant as regards religions and in his foreign policy; but Parliament and the country as a whole were still very suspicious of Catholicism, which was of course associated with France and Spain, traditionally enemies of Britain. Charles also suspended 3 Parliaments because they wished to excude his Catholic brother, James, from the Royal succession; but he must have been very conscious of what happened to his father, Charles I, when he took a stand against Parliament.

[Mortartube]

Part of the problem of Catholocism around these times was that it could be considered treasonous, as all English subjects should swear loyalty to their sovereign, whereas Catholics swore loyalty to the Pope and this conflict of interests upset the Protestants. For instance, if the Pope declared war on England for any reason, where would the Catholics stand? To fight for the Pope would be treason but to fight for the sovereign could cast you into damnation as you forsake your religious duty. Bit of a catch 22 situation.