fidei defensor (Defender of the Faith). A title first given (1521) to Henry VIII by Pope Leo X for writing his Assertio septem sacramentorum against Luther. After the break with Rome, Parliament authorized it as a royal title (1544), which it has remained, though for modern multi-cultural Britain Prince Charles has suggested an improved translation, ‘Defender of Faith’ (i.e. all major religions). This proposal has been criticized for denying the superiority of Christianity, and for implying that it is possible to believe all religions at the same time—e.g. that Christ was the son of God and that he was not.

Revd Dr William M. Marshall/ and Professor J. A. Cannon

Fidei Defensor See Defender of the Faith