Final answer:
The church reform movement was a consequence of the Commercial Revolution, characterized by the social gospel and settlement movements, the Cluniac Reform seeking ecclesiastical independence, and the Catholic Church's own reforms during the Counter-Reformation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The movement for church reform during the period following the Commercial Revolution can be seen as a consequence of the profound changes in society and economy that were unfolding. As commerce and trade expanded, new wealth flowed into cities, creating stark contrasts between rich and poor. This division led to increased attention to social issues, including poverty and working conditions. In this context, the church began to refocus its attention on the teachings of Christianity concerning charity and justice.
The social gospel movement emerged as a way for religious organizations to address these challenges. Churches sought to apply Christian ethics to social problems, with the aim of improving living conditions for workers, and addressing income inequality. The movement included the settlement movement, in which reformers moved into poor neighborhoods to offer social services, embodying the belief that close proximity to the needy would lead to a better understanding and thus more effective solutions to the problems associated with poverty.
The reforms also took shape within the church itself. Movements such as the Cluniac Reform sought independence for religious institutions from secular authorities, emphasizing the importance of a church free from secular influence over ecclesiastical appointments. The Catholic Reformation, or Counter-Reformation, addressed the challenges posed by Protestant reformers like Martin Luther, with the Catholic Church instituting its own reforms during the Council of Trent, like improving the education of clergy and putting a stop to the sale of indulgences.