newpathworksheets.com › social-studies › grade-77th Grade Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides The Protestant Reformation After the Renaissance, there was a change in thought throughout Europe. The Catholic Church was having financial problems and its role with several Kings and governments had changed; it was claimed that the Church had too much influence, and that clergy members were receiving indulgences or gifts in exchange for important Church Sacraments, such as forgiveness of sins.