Question

By the 16th century, the Roman Catholic Church was charging people numerous fees, dues, taxes, tithes, and payments to support clergymen and to fund building projects. What would happen to people who refused or were unable to pay these fees to the church?
A.
They would lose their citizenship.
B.
They would be sentenced to prison.
C.
The church would take their personal property.
D.
The church would refuse them the sacraments.

Answer 1

D. The church would refuse them the sacraments.

Refusal or nonpayment could lead to denial of communion, marriage, or Christian burial and even excommunication — a powerful social and spiritual penalty.