Why did henry viii seek a separation from the catholic church? henry viii separated from the catholic church because: a. he wanted to reform the catholic churchb. the catholic church refused to grant him a divorce from catherine of aragon, who failed to produce a male heirc. he was a protestant and rejected the teachings of the catholic churchd. he was advised by his prime minister that separation from the catholic church would increase his powerin addition, he wanted to: a. control and eradicate the corruption of the church authoritiesb. monitor the activities of the catholic clergy whom he suspected of being disloyal to the crownc. bring church property in britain under his controld. legitimize his illegitimate son when the church refused to do so