The Reformation reached Livonia in 1521, introduced by Andreas Knöpken, a follower of Martin Luther. It gained momentum in 1524 when Protestant riots erupted, with Catholic churches being attacked. By 1525, freedom of religion was declared, marking a turning point as Protestant services began to be held in Latvian, and the first Latvian-speaking parishes were established. Lutheranism quickly spread, especially in urban centers, and by the mid-16th century, it became the dominant faith across the region.
The Reformation had profound effects on the Livonian Confederation. Many members of the Livonian Order and the urban elites converted to Lutheranism, creating tensions between the Order, which traditionally supported Catholicism, and the bishops. This internal conflict weakened the already fragile alliance between the Confederation’s factions. The religious shift eroded the influence of the Catholic Church, undermining its authority and further destabilizing the Confederation, which was already struggling with political fragmentation.
By the time of the Livonian War (1558–1582), the Confederation was too divided to resist external threats effectively, contributing to its collapse in 1561. The spread of Lutheranism thus not only transformed religious life but also played a key role in the disintegration of the Livonian Confederation, ushering in a new era of foreign control over Latvia.