The Magdeburg Confessions

13th of April 1550 AD

In 1548, Charles V issued his infamous Augsburg Interim - an attempt to smash the Protestant Reformation. While all of Protestant Germany conformed to his decree, one city decided to take a stand and resist his authority - the City of Magdeburg.

The pastors of Magdeburg issued their Confession and Defense of the Pastors and Other Ministers of the Church of Magdeburg on April 13, 1550 AD.

Five months after issuing their Confession, Charles V’s forces marched on Magdeburg. The people of Magdeburg burned everything outside the city walls and closed the city gates.

The siege of Magdeburg had begun.

This is the first ever English translation of the historic Magdeburg Confession, translated from a 1550 Latin original. The Magdeburg Confession, written in response to Holy Roman Emperor's attempt to impose Catholic doctrines upon the city of Magdeburg, is perhaps one of the best examples of the lesser magistrate doctrine in action.

• Translated by: Matthew Colvin
• Pages: 94
• Paperback
• Published in 2012