Frederick plays a central role in the…
1527 CE
Frederick plays a central role in the spread of Lutheran teaching throughout Denmark.
In his coronation charter he had been made the solemn protector (værner) of the Catholic Church in Denmark.
In this role, he has asserted his right to select bishops for the Catholic dioceses in the country.
Christian II had been intolerant of Protestant teaching, but Frederick takes a more opportunist approach.
For example, he has ordered that Lutherans and Catholics are to share the same churches.
He has encouraged publication of the first Danish language Bible.
When Hans Tausen was threatened with arrest and trial for heresy, Frederick had in 1526 appointed him his personal chaplain to give him immunity.
Frederick, starting in 1527, authorizes the closure of Franciscan houses and monasteries in twenty-eight Danish cities.
In some cases, he offers small sums of money to the displaced monks.
He uses the popular anti-establishment feelings that run against some persons of the Catholic hierarchy and the Catholic nobility of Denmark as well as keen propaganda to decrease the power of bishops and Catholic nobles.
He is skillful enough to prevent all-out warfare between Protestants and Catholics.