This week in Christian history: Papal election secret ballot instituted, Ulf Ekman converts to Catholicism, Balthasar Hubmaier martyred
Balthasar Hubmaier martyred – March 10, 1528
This week marks the anniversary of when Balthasar Hubmaier, a notable leader in the Anabaptist movement, was burned at the stake for his faith after being arrested in Vienna, Austria.
A native of Germany and former Catholic priest, Hubmaier faced persecution from both Catholics and Protestants over his theological views about reform and infant baptism.
“In 1528, one of his old enemies, Prince Ferdinand, had gained control of Bohemia and Nickolsburg. Hubmaier and his wife were promptly arrested and led to Vienna for trial,” according to the Independent Baptist Network.
“There, he was once again tortured on the rack and urged, by none other than his old friend [Catholic Church official Johann Heigerlin], to make a full recantation. But he had grown in the strength of his convictions since his days in Zurich, and he steadfastly refused. On March 10th, Hubmaier was led bravely to the stake to be burned, but not before praising God and forgiving his enemies.”
A few days after Hubmaier’s execution, his wife, Elsbeth, was drowned in the Danube River.
