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[German Version] (c. 1498 – May/Jun 1526, Marienfeld, Canton Graubünden) was born in Zürich into a prominent family and acquired a humanistic education. In 1522 he had a conversion experience and became a passionate supporter of Zwingli's reform. Avid Bible study with like-minded friends led him to question the legitimacy of tithe and of infant baptism, both upheld by Zwingli. Intransigence on both sides led to a break in the reform movement which could not be healed. Believing Thomas Müntzer to b…

[German Version] (c. 1500, Bischofszell, Switzerland – 1529, Constance). After receiving a Humanist education, in 1523 Hätzer supported Zwingli's Reformation in Zürich, in this context writing a pamphlet against images that was based on the biblical prohibition (Veneration of images: VI). He was banished in 1525 because he had criticized infant baptism the year before. He traveled extensively and had many friends among the Reformers of southern Germany. He produced translations of the Reformers' w…

[German Version] (c. 1491, near Vipiteno [Ger. Sterzing], Italy – April 1532, Padua [assassinated]), was a leader in the Peasants' War in Tyrol (1525–1526). Gaismair probably had legal training. During his service as secretary to Bishop Sebastian Sprenz in Brixen, he was chosen leader by insurgent peasants in May, 1525. The revolt failed. Gaismair fled to Zürich, where he composed his Landesordnung, a Christian socio-political program for Tyrol. His passion for justice and military skill fed his hope for the realization of his vision. Walter Klaassen Bibliography Sources: A. Holla…