Reformation in Denmark

The Reformation, originating in the German lands from Martin Luther's ideas in the early 16th century, had a profound impact on Denmark. It began in the mid-1520s when Danes sought access to the Bible in their own language. In 1524, Hans Mikkelsen and Christiern Pedersen translated the New Testament into Danish, and it became an instant best-seller, fueling interest in Lutheran ideas.

Among the early reformers was Hans Tausen, a Danish monk who had studied in Wittenberg under Luther's influence. In 1525, Tausen began preaching Luther's reforms from the pulpit of Antvorskov Abbey Church, which led to his confinement by his superiors. However, he continued to preach to the townspeople from his cell window, and his ideas rapidly spread throughout Viborg. Tausen's teachings resonated with a wide audience, converting ordinary citizens, merchants, nobles, and even monks. Soon, he gained a chapel for his services, and when it became too small for the crowds, his followers forced open a Franciscan abbey to accommodate them. Bishop Jon Friis was unable to counter the movement, and Viborg became a center for the Danish Reformation, with Lutheranism spreading to Aarhus and Aalborg.

Recognizing Tausen's influence, King Frederick I appointed him as one of his chaplains in 1526, offering protection from Catholic opposition. Lutheran ideas then spread to Copenhagen, where Tausen's sermons in Danish drew large crowds. With royal approval, Copenhagen's churches opened for both Lutheran and Catholic services, although tensions rose as both groups shared worship spaces.

A turning point came in December 1531, when a mob, incited by Copenhagen's mayor, Ambrosius Bogbinder, stormed the Church of Our Lady, destroying statues, altars, and relics. Frederick I's policy of tolerating both faiths did little to quell the unrest, as both Catholics and Lutherans sought dominance. The Reformation grew rapidly due to the combination of popular enthusiasm for church reform and the monarchy's interest in seizing church lands. This transition increased the Danish crown's revenues by 300%, as church property was confiscated.

Widespread dissatisfaction with the Catholic Church had already been simmering, particularly over tithes and fees that burdened farmers and merchants. King Frederick I and his son, Duke Christian, showed little sympathy for the Franciscans, who were known for their relentless demands. Between 1527 and 1536, many towns petitioned the king to close Franciscan houses, and Frederick authorized the closures. Mobs, often with royal approval, forcibly shut down Franciscan monasteries in cities like Copenhagen, Viborg, Aalborg, and Malmo, leading to the closure of 28 establishments, with monks sometimes being beaten or killed.

When Frederick I died in 1533, his son, Duke Christian of Schleswig, was proclaimed King Christian III by the Viborg Assembly. However, the Catholic-dominated State Council on Zealand refused to recognize him, fearing his Lutheran zeal would disenfranchise Catholics. The council invited Count Christopher of Oldenburg to become Regent, sparking a conflict known as the Count's Feud.

Christian III raised an army, with mercenaries from Germany, to enforce his claim, while Count Christopher rallied forces from Mecklenburg, Oldenburg, and the Hanseatic League, aiming to restore the Catholic King Christian II. This marked the beginning of a three-year civil war that would ultimately decide Denmark's religious future.