King Henry VIII's edict to place English-language Bibles in every church marked a significant moment in the religious landscape of England. At the center of this decree was the Great Bible, a translation commissioned by the King and completed by Miles Coverdale, which played a crucial role in making the scriptures accessible to laypeople. This decision was influenced by the burgeoning Protestant Reformation, which emphasized individual access to the Bible and personal interpretation of scripture as counterpoints to the prior Catholic doctrine that kept the Bible largely in Latin, understandable only to the clergy. The placement of the Great Bible in churches was not just a religious reform; it was also a political maneuver designed to consolidate the King's power and distance the church in England from the influence of the Pope and the Catholic Church in Rome.

The initiative set in motion by Henry VIII was part of a broader campaign to reform the church in England, which was already underway due to shifting theological currents and rising calls for reform. With the Great Bible available in English, the King sought to empower his subjects by allowing them to read the scriptures themselves and interpret them without the mediation of priests. This was revolutionary at the time and symbolized a drastic shift towards religious pluralism and personal faith. Furthermore, it set the stage for subsequent translations and versions of the Bible that would permeate English society, leading to a culture deeply rooted in the printed word.

As copies of the Great Bible began to be distributed and read aloud in churches, many were inspired to delve deeper into their faith. The initiative helped to elevate literacy rates among the populace, as common people sought to understand the Bible better. It also facilitated discussions and debates about religious interpretations, ultimately contributing to the development of various Protestant denominations in England. The impact of this decree resonated for centuries, laying the groundwork for the English Reformation and impacting religious thought and practice in England and beyond.