Diet of Copenhagen

Denmark [1536]

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July 17, 2026

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The Diet of Copenhagen in 1536 was a pivotal event in Danish history, marking the official establishment of Lutheranism as the state religion of Denmark. This decision was made by King Christian III following a civil war, known as the Count's War, which concluded with the capitulation of Copenhagen in the summer of 1536.123

Following the war, Christian III consolidated his power by arresting Catholic bishops and confiscating church property. The Diet of Copenhagen formalized these actions, establishing the Danish Lutheran Church and transferring church assets to the crown. This move significantly strengthened the central government and laid the groundwork for the future absolutist monarchy in Denmark. The organization of the new state church was finalized in 1539.234

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Christian III
…Catholic bishops and organized the Diet of Copenhagen (October 1536), which confiscated episcopal property and established the state Lutheran Church. The Diet also confirmed the constitutional rights of the nobles’ Rigsråd, which thereafter ruled in alliance with the King. The continuing decline of Norway was indicated by the abolition of…
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…Catholic bishops and organized the Diet of Copenhagen (October 1536), which confiscated episcopal property and established the state Lutheran Church. The Diet also confirmed the constitutional rights of the nobles’ Rigsråd, which thereafter ruled in alliance with the King. The continuing decline of Norway was indicated by the abolition of…
Read More