The Protestant Reformation

On this day in 1521, Leo X excommunicated Martin Luther. Despite repeated warnings from the Pope and his representatives, the Augustinian professor of theology at the University of Wittenberg had steadfastly refused to recant his commitment to help reform the church in accordance with the Scriptures. He had boldly declared, "Hier stehe ich; Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me. Amen!" Thus was the Protestant Reformation launched.