On the Day January 3 1560

Remembering Peder Palladius, Denmark's Reformer Extraordinaire

Khen Lim




Image source: denstoredanske.dk

Among the most life-transforming events of the sixteenth century, Martin Luther’s Reformation ranks at the top. Spreading from Germany, it was only a matter of time that it would fan out to every European nation within its proximity. With Scandinavia right next door, it was inevitable that countries like Denmark would be a natural target. 

There, the Danish government was fighting a losing battle trying to stop the German influence from infiltrating the churches and their people with new Protestant ideas that were arriving at their doorstep with books and even preachers that were literally walking past their borders.

Denmark had been trying to stave off the Reformation with civil conflicts in 1533 but to no avail. The Catholics eventually found themselves subservient to a Protestant king after they were defeated in a civil war by Duke Christian who went on to become King Christian III. As a result of the defeat, Catholic churches were made to pay his war debts and when their bishops refused, they were promptly marched into gaols. When Christian III eventually had them released, they actually joined his side. 

The reform-minded Danish king had embraced Protestantism so passionately that he even preached from the pulpit himself. Unlike the blood-letting vengeful situation in England, King Christian III was tolerant, certainly even more so than Elizabeth I. Unlike her, the far-minded Danish actually pensioned off the Catholic clerics upon their refusal to join the movement.

King Christian III (Image source: en.wikipedia.org)

In 1537, Denmark finally severed ties with the papacy in Rome. King Christian III commissioned Johann Bugenhagen to consecrate several bishops outside of the apostolic succession. During that time, a cobbler’s son by the name of Peder Palladius was still a student who found favour with the Reformation call to a life of faith that was firmly and exclusively grounded in the Word of God. It was like the writings of Melanchthon had drawn him in like bees to honey.

Having freshly completed his doctoral exams in Wittenberg, the epicentre of Lutheran thought in Germany, Christian III had now summoned him with an appointment to assume the highest church office in the country and with that, Palladius became the Superintendent of Zealand, which effectively made him the most powerful and influential agent of reform in Denmark.

At the same time, he was also called to become the theology professor at the University of Copenhagen. With leadership and authority in both positions, Palladius set about to truly define Protestantism in Denmark, leaving behind an indelible imprint in so many ways. 

It was him who underscored the literal functions of a bishop by way of example – he visited all the 390 parishes, held hundreds of seminars where he preached and taught as well as published many of his works that helped to make complex theology easier for the layperson to understand. He also developed liturgies in the local language so that churches could reach the population with greater ease.

Dansk gudstjeneste efter reformationens indførelse Peder Palladius praediker - A bronze plaque with relief by Max Andersen (1892-1972) illustrating a Danish reformed church service led by Peder Palladius. The description is carved to stone base under the relief. (Image source: waymarking.com)

Even when there remained Danes who had no wish to become Lutherans, Palladius called on his bishops to be tolerant and accepting. Instead he inspired them to educate them in kindness so that they are more accepting of the new doctrines.

It is believed that Palladius died on January 3 1560, leaving behind a tremendously rich legacy in devotionals and various theological treatises. His lasting impact has been such that many contemporaries continue to embrace his teachings and follow his example.