King James II of England had everything — wealth, power, and the divine right to rule. Yet three years after his ascent to the throne, he became a fugitive in his own kingdom.
The truth of James II’s downfall, often overshadowed by the so-called “Glorious Revolution,” is a story of unwavering conviction. When piety and power came into conflict, he made a choice few rulers would dare to make.
His decision would cost him everything, yet he never questioned his path. Today, we look at what you can learn from the last Catholic king of England — a man who refused to bow, even as his world collapsed around him…
A Catholic in a Protestant’s World
James was born into the Anglican Church in 1633, but secretly converted to Catholicism in his mid-30s, influenced in large part by his devout Catholic wife. Since England had been staunchly Protestant since Elizabeth I, however, his conversion wasn’t just personal — it was political dynamite.
Nearly two decades prior, fears of Catholic sympathies had played a significant role in the breakdown of relations between Parliament and James’ father, Charles I. The experience showed James firsthand what happened to monarchs who fell out of favor with the political and religious establishment — his father was beheaded.
Despite this, James held firm in his faith. When Parliament passed the Test Act, requiring all military and civil officials to deny the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist (a fundamental Catholic doctrine), James simply resigned from his post as Lord High Admiral. It was, in many ways, political suicide — but for James, there was no other option.
As he later wrote, "It is not for temporal advantages that we embrace the truth; we must suffer for it and not shrink back." His actions made it clear that his faith was not a matter of convenience, but conviction.
Religious Freedom — and Rebellion
When he became king in 1685, James wasted no time advancing religious liberties. Unlike his predecessors, who maintained Protestant dominance and only granted limited rights to dissenters, James appointed Catholics to high office, suspended anti-Catholic laws, and even issued the Declaration of Indulgence, granting religious freedom to Catholics and dissenting Protestants alike.
To James, this wasn’t just policy — it was justice. "Conscience ought not to be constrained," he declared. But to the Protestant establishment, his actions amounted to an existential threat, as many believed James was paving the way for England to become a Catholic kingdom once more. Their fears were further inflamed when James’ wife gave birth to a son in 1688, ensuring a Catholic heir.
The response was swift. Protestant nobles, unwilling to see England return to Catholic rule, secretly invited James' own daughter, Mary, and her husband, William of Orange, to invade.
But when William landed in England with an army, James declined to reignite civil war. If his creed would cost him his crown, so be it — but he refused to spill the blood of his subjects in order to remain king.
Exile & Inspiration
Having been betrayed by both his daughter and some of his closest advisors, James set sail for France. He returned to Ireland (where he was still acknowledged as king) several months later, hoping to reclaim his throne. This time, however, William of Orange traveled to Ireland, and destroyed James’ forces at the Battle of the Boyne.
Defeated and stripped of his kingdom, James spent the rest of his life in exile in France under the protection of Louis XIV. Yet he never allowed himself to fall into despair, proclaiming: "My enemies have my crown, but they shall never have my soul.”
Whereas many exiled kings would spend their time scheming for a return to power, James turned his energy and attention to his faith. He devoted himself to charity work, spent long hours in prayer, and encouraged his followers back in England to stand firm in their beliefs.
The political movement that formed around James’ legacy — Jacobitism — would be a powerful force in its own right over the course of the next century. While his detractors mocked him as weak, those who admired James were inspired by his refusal to compromise — by choosing creed over crown, James inspired faithful Catholics throughout the realm to stay the course and stick to their faith, even in the midst of persecution…
Takeaways
1) Conviction Creates Legacy
James' reign was short-lived, but his refusal to compromise left a lasting impact. The Jacobite movement, which fought for his descendants' right to the throne, endured for nearly a century after his exile, and his memory is still commemorated by English Catholics today.
If James had simply converted back to Protestantism and done what was politically expedient, he wouldn’t have half the legacy he does now. A man who stands for something, even in the face of ruin, is remembered long after the ones who played it safe.
2) A Kingdom Can Be Rebuilt — Integrity Cannot
Many men have lost thrones and reclaimed them. But a man who abandons his principles loses something that can never be regained.
James' legacy was defined not by power, but by faith. To the world, he lost everything — but James knew that if he compromised on his beliefs, he would lose something far greater.
3) Strength Is Tested in Sacrifice
It’s easy to stay true to your beliefs when there’s no risk. But real strength is tested when those beliefs cost you everything. James proved his faith was more than words.
He walked away from the throne rather than betray what he believed. His detractors called it weakness — but it was, of course, the ultimate test of strength.
Want to dive deeper?
James and I go live on X this Thursday at 9am ET to discuss the conversion, faith, and reign of England’s last Catholic king.
Visit Evan’s X account at 9am to access the livestream — once it ends, the stream will be added to our Members-Only Video Archive for you to catch the replay.
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Ad finem fidelis,
-Evan
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