Reformatio ecclesiarum Hassiae

work by Lambert

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July 13, 2026

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Reformatio ecclesiarum Hassiae was a work by François Lambert, a Protestant convert and reformer in Hesse, Germany. Drafted in 1526, it proposed democratic principles for church governance, advocating for congregational election of pastors. While Lambert believed this aligned with Martin Luther's views, Luther considered the plan too democratic, and Philip of Hesse, the landgrave, abandoned it. Despite this, Lambert's ideas influenced Hesse, and he later headed the theological faculty at the University of Marburg, founded by Philip in 1527. The Reformation in Germany saw various groups, including Lutherans and Anabaptists, emerge with differing views on church structure and doctrine.1234

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François Lambert
Encouraged by Philip, Lambert drafted Reformatio ecclesiarum Hassiae (“The Reformation of the Churches of Hesse”), which was submitted by Philip to the synod at Homberg (1526). Lambert’s document called for democratic principles of congregational representation in church government, by which pastors were to be elected by their congregations. He believed…
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Encouraged by Philip, Lambert drafted Reformatio ecclesiarum Hassiae (“The Reformation of the Churches of Hesse”), which was submitted by Philip to the synod at Homberg (1526). Lambert’s document called for democratic principles of congregational representation in church government, by which pastors were to be elected by their congregations. He believed…
Read More