His respect for the authority of Scripture drove Wycliffe to promote an English translation of the Bible. The church bitterly opposed it: By this translation, the Scriptures have become vulgar, and they are more available to lay, and even to women who can read, than they were to learned scholars, who have a high intelligence. So the pearl of the gospel is scattered and trodden underfoot by swine.
Wycliffe replied, Englishmen learn Christs law best in English. Moses heard Gods law in his own tongue, so did Christs apostles.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-43/fiery-man-behind-first-english-bible.html