Frederik I (Frederick), King of Denmark and Norway, 1523-1533, was b. 7 October 1471, the second son of Christian I of Denmark (1426-1481) and Dorothea of Brandenburg (1430-1495). At his father’s death he became co-Duke of Schleswig and Holstein along with his older brother King Hans of Denmark (1455-1513). In 1490 Frederik reached the age of majority and the duchies were divided between the two brothers. In 1523, after the overthrow of his nephew King Christian II (1481-1559), Frederik became sole duke and at the same time king of Denmark.

Frederik I, King of Denmark Source: Wikipedia

Even though at his coronation he had to promise to preserve the old church, he soon issued an edict of tolerance (presumably in 1524), probably under the influence of his son, the future King Christian III (1503-1559), who had attended the 1521 Diet of Worms, and in 1527 appointed Melchior Hoffman as chaplain in Kiel. But Hoffman's fantastic apocalyptic writings, his sermons, and his sharp attacks upon his opponents as well as the Wittenberg group caused grave offense; thereupon Frederik gave his consent to the great colloquium in Flensburg, 8 April 1529. Although Hoffman's ideas had not actually been refuted, he was expelled from the country; but he was permitted to choose the time most favorable to him, and was assured of the safety of his person and property. Frederik did not oppose the spread of the Reformation in his realm. He d. 10 April 1533 and was succeeded by son Christian III.

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Scottdale, Pennsylvania, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 2, p. 382. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

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