-
Ignatius of Loyola founds the Society of Jesus order as part of the Catholic counter-reformation. Parts of Poland, Hungry and Germany are converted from Protestantism to Catholicism.
-
Thomas More is executed on the orders of Henry VIII for refusing to support the English Reformation.
-
William Tyndale burnt at the stake for heresy. His final words were: Lord! Open the King of England's eyes.
-
The 19th Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church is held to reform and clarify doctrine. It repudiated Protestantism and led to the issuing of a Catechism in 1566.
-
Martin Luther dies at the age of 62, in Eisleben, Germany.
-
Publication of the first version of the Book of Common Prayer in the Church of England.
-
A treaty grants toleration to Lutherans within the Holy Roman Empire using the principle of cuius regio, eius religio or "Whose region, his religion".
-
Publication of the Geneva Bible - the first translation in English to use verse and chapter divisions.
-
The 39 Articles of the Church of England are first published, giving a summary of Anglican doctrine and practice.
-
Calvin dies and is succeeded by Theodore Beza.
