The early 16th century was a time of radical religious reform in Europe. The Protestant Reformation led to a break with the Catholic church and a subsequent fragmentation of religious belief. Among the new Protestant sects were various forms of Anabaptism. While the Anabaptist movement is today associated with pacifism, one event in the 1530s shows that this path was not inevitable: the Münster Rebellion.
The town of Münster was located in Westphalia. Prior to the events of the uprising, an Anabaptist pastor, Bernhard Rothmann, declared that a prophet would soon be coming to liberate the people of Münster. Ultimately, two key names can be associated with leading the rebellion: Johann Matthys and Jan Bockelson.
In February of 1534, Matthys and Bockelson took control of the city without much difficulty, initiating what would become sixteen months of Anabaptist rule. Matthys in particular saw this control of Münster as an opportunity to create a "New Jerusalem." In taking political control of the city, the Anabaptists even established their own mayor, Bernhard Knipperdolling
Matthys prophesied that God's judgment would come on Easter Sunday in 1534. Conceiving of himself as a second Gideon, he surrounded himself with only 30 followers. In the end, they were cut off from the main group and killed. Matthys' head was mounted on a pole and displayed in the city.
Bockelson has become better known in history as John of Leiden. Claiming to be a successor of the Biblical King David, he was proclaimed king and governed with absolute authority, justified by heavenly visions. In the course of his rule, he introduced reforms to the city such as legalizing polygamy and instituting common goods.
As the rest of Europe became aware of the state of affairs in Münster, they felt compelled to act. The city was besieged by Francis of Waldock, the former bishop of the town in June of 1535 and fell that month. Significantly, Catholic and Protestant troops cooperated in retaking Münster.
The leaders of the rebellion were tortured, and in January of 1536 were publicly executed. Their bodies were subsequently hanged from the steeple of St. Lamberti Church in cages which remain there to this day (photo found here). Followers who feared persecution fled to nations such as England which were more tolerant of their dissenting views.
The Münster Rebellion marked a change in the Anabaptist Movement. Never again did they have such potential for political power. The uprising spread the Anabaptist name throughout Europe, and Anabaptists who had not supported the actions of the rebels were sure to differentiate themselves from the event. Thus arose the Anabaptist emphasis on pacifism which is known today.
Sincerely, Abigail Quinnley
Matthys prophesied that God's judgment would come on Easter Sunday in 1534. Conceiving of himself as a second Gideon, he surrounded himself with only 30 followers. In the end, they were cut off from the main group and killed. Matthys' head was mounted on a pole and displayed in the city.
Bockelson has become better known in history as John of Leiden. Claiming to be a successor of the Biblical King David, he was proclaimed king and governed with absolute authority, justified by heavenly visions. In the course of his rule, he introduced reforms to the city such as legalizing polygamy and instituting common goods.
As the rest of Europe became aware of the state of affairs in Münster, they felt compelled to act. The city was besieged by Francis of Waldock, the former bishop of the town in June of 1535 and fell that month. Significantly, Catholic and Protestant troops cooperated in retaking Münster.
The leaders of the rebellion were tortured, and in January of 1536 were publicly executed. Their bodies were subsequently hanged from the steeple of St. Lamberti Church in cages which remain there to this day (photo found here). Followers who feared persecution fled to nations such as England which were more tolerant of their dissenting views.
The Münster Rebellion marked a change in the Anabaptist Movement. Never again did they have such potential for political power. The uprising spread the Anabaptist name throughout Europe, and Anabaptists who had not supported the actions of the rebels were sure to differentiate themselves from the event. Thus arose the Anabaptist emphasis on pacifism which is known today.
Sincerely, Abigail Quinnley
