Dead Folk You Should Know: Wives In Ministry Partnership

This week in our Genesis studies, we will see the beauty of marriage as a partnership to serve the Lord together. Colin Reed honours some wives of the Reformers 500 years ago as they ministered with their husbands in calling people back to the gospel:

The Reformation opened a new role for clergy, and former nuns, to marry and be models of Biblical marriage. Katharina was born into an aristocratic German family. Aged just six, she was sent to live in a convent; at 16, she became a nun. Even there, they heard the Biblical message of the Reformation, and she and four others escaped from the convent, aided by Martin Luther. Katharina courageously married Luther when he was an outlaw, condemned by Church and State. She was a lady of strong faith and ability. Having left the Church, they lost his income, but acquired a farm and its brewery. She ran both and provided hospitality for Martin’s visitors and students. They had six children. Their partnership was a stabilising influence in the Reformation.

John (Jean) Calvin married Idelette, a widow with two children. She and John had one child. Their happy and godly marriage played an important part in his ministry. Calvin too lost his income when he left the Roman Church, so they took in paying guests. Idelette extended hospitality not just to friends but to religious refugees, who came to Geneva to escape persecution in their homeland, and to learn from Calvin.

Sadly, Archbishop Thomas Cranmer was not able to live openly with his wife. He met and secretly married Margaret, a Christian of Reformed faith, in Germany in 1532. The next year, Henry VIII appointed him as Archbishop of Canterbury, but the King was still enforcing clerical celibacy, and to oppose the King was highly dangerous. Their marriage was kept secret. When (Catholic) Mary became Queen, Margaret went back to Germany (and Cranmer was condemned to death). Margaret was a courageous woman!

Thank God for these women of faith.

Grace and peace,
Mark