When?
Most historians identify the formal period of the Protestant Reformation to span from 1517 to 1560. Of course, the effects of the Reformation continue to this day, but this period identifies when the most defining councils, creeds, and foundations were laid for the Gospel Churches to advance.
Notable Events in the Protestant Reformation
October 31, 1517 marks the formal starting date of the Protestant Reformation, though the events leading up to and surrounding it are numerous.
Martin Luther nails his Ninety-Five Theses to the Wittenberg church door for scholarly debate.
Ulrich Zwingli leads the Great Council of Zurich to decree that only the sacred Scriptures should be preached in the churches.
Martin Luther stands trial at the Diet of Worms. This was the pivotal moment of the Reformation where Luther pointed to the authority of Scripture in defiance of the church's abuses of authority.
William Tyndale completes his first edition of the English New Testament at Worms, Germany.
Philipp Melanchthon presented the evangelical confession of faith as preached by Luther, in his absence, at the Diet of Augsburg.
King Henry VIII declares himself the "Supreme Head of the Church in England," marking his official break with Rome and the authority of the Pope.
Tyndale is strangled to death and burned at the stake for his Evangelical views and translation of the Bible into English.
The Roman Catholic Church begins the Council of Trent (1545-1563) where they will formulate an official response to the Protestant Reformation.
Emperor Charles V signs the Augsburg Settlement, officially permitting princes to choose their Christian allegiance, either with Rome or the Reformation.
The Scots Confession is approved and the Scottish Parliament declares Scotland a Protestant nation.