. . . the spiritual tenure of the ecclesiastical benefice was a contractual obligation carrying the weight of inviolability, land held in benefit permanently from the king and enjoying his protection with associated reciprocal obligation. The English monarchs of the 15th century had maintained that obligation, founding new monastic institutions and encouraging reform within old ones. Such care and patronage was readily apparent in the separate reigns of Henry V, Henry VI, Edward IV, and even in that of Henry VII.
Of course there were alternative churches.
For example the Jews were emphatically not part of the established church. Their synagogues were built by them, and their property was not dependent on land held in benefit permanently from the king and enjoying his protection.
Perhaps Henry didn’t think that the Established Church had kept their reciprocal obligation. He wanted a son, and the Spanish Catholic princess to whom he was married was unable to give him one. In return for his benefits, he perhaps expected a certain flexibility, and when he didn’t get it, he felt his need to keep the reciprocal obligations somewhat lessened.