Unzeitige Reformation? Zu einer frühreformatorischen Kirchenordnung in Thüringen

Abstract

To date, little is known concerning the beginning of the Reformation in the eastern Thuringian small town of Ronneburg, which was located between Gera and Altenburg. However, records in the Thuringian territorial archive at Altenburg, specifically a draft of a church ordinance from Rothenburg and the correspondence of town officials with both the Wettin and Ernestine courts, offer detailed information concerning this process. This information concerns not only the history of the Reformation in Ronneburg; it also offers new insights into the early history of the development of church ordinances during the Reformation era. With regard to this second point, these documents especially speak to the underlying religious policy of the Reformation within the sphere of influence of Johann the Steadfast, the future Elector, as well as to the importance of the former Franciscan from Weimar, Johann Voit. Koch 82 ARG_109_Inhalt_DD.indd 82 10.09.2018 12:49:32