The entrance of the truth into Sweden was rapid and effected without bloodshed. Gustavus Vasa, who became king in 1523, had imbibed the teachings of Luther and strove to establish the Reformation in his kingdom. Two brothers named Petri, who had been students at Wittenberg, preached the gospel with great success. In 1526, the New Testament was published in Sweden by the King’s orders. A debate between one of the Petris and a popish doctor named Galle was published, and many conversions resulted among both the priests and the people. A meeting of the States of the Realm was held, and, in spite of Romish opposition, estates which the Church had obtained by working on the superstitious fears of the wealthy were restored to their owners. The Church revenues were placed at the King’s disposal. Bishops were forbidden to interfere in the affairs of State. The appointment of preachers was placed in the authority of the King, subject to the proviso that only those who were able and willing to preach according to the Word of God should be appointed. The daily reading of the Scriptures was ordered in all schools, and the clergy were made amenable to the civil law. Two years later the authority of the Pope was set aside, and the reformed manner of worship was established. In Norway, matters took a similar course.
The Reformation in Denmark was precipitated by the evil traffic in indulgences. The gospel cause had the support of the King Christian II. A long struggle with the hierarchy ensued. The King was deposed, but his successor Frederick was equally favorable. An able preacher named Taussen proclaimed the truth of justification by faith. When imprisoned, he preached through the bars of his prison. The King heard of it, had him set free, and made him his chaplain. Shut out of the Church, he preached in the churchyard, where he was listened to by eager crowds. In 1524 King Christian, now an exile, got his secretary to translate the New Testament into Danish, and copies were sent by shiploads from Antwerp to Denmark.
In 1527 a conference was held at Odense. The King urged religious freedom. Full liberty of worship was decreed, and the bishop was forbidden to recognize the Pope.
The island of Fuenen was speedily evangelized. On the death of Frederick in 1533, an unsuccessful attempt was made to restore popery. The intrigues of the bishops resulted, in 1535, in civil war, but the King, Christian III, was victorious. At a Diet at Copenhagen in 1536, the Romish Church was disestablished, and the Reformation was completed by the Diet of Odense in 1539.