Google Preferred SourcesComments
ForumsShare

This Week in Christian History: Boys Town, Martin Luther burns papal decree, ‘Silent Night’

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Twitter

Martin Luther burns papal edict – December 10, 1520

German theologian and religious reformer Martin Luther.
German theologian and religious reformer Martin Luther.

This week marks the anniversary of when Protestant Reformation leader Martin Luther burned a papal decree threatening him with excommunication from the Roman Catholic Church.

Three years had gone by since the publication of Luther’s "95 Theses." In June 15 of 1520, Pope Leo X issued the Exsurge Domine, which stated that Luther must recant his views or face excommunication.

To demonstrate his refusal to recant, Luther burned a copy of the Exsurge Domine, along with other books, including one on church law, before a crowd in Wittenberg. The following month, the Church officially excommunicated Luther.

Follow Michael Gryboski on Twitter or Facebook

Was this article helpful?

Become a CP Insider.
Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

The truth has a cost, and Insiders help carry it.
A dollar from an Insider comes with no strings attached. It keeps our reporters on the story, keeps our journalism open to everyone, and keeps every editorial decision in the newsroom, where it belongs.

Become a CP Insider and choose the amount you want to pay. You can change, pause or cancel anytime. As a thank-you, you’ll get:

  • The Insider Newsletter, a members-only monthly letter from our newsroom

  • Ad-free reading across christianpost.com


From as low as $8.25/month
Prefer to give once?

We’re sorry to hear that.

Hope you’ll give us another try and check out some other articles.
Return to homepage.

Most Popular

More Articles