Laurentius Andreae

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Laurentius Andreae (born as Lars Andersson) was a Swedish clergyman and scholar. Andreae is best known as a reformer, one of the main proponents of the Swedish Protestant reformation in the years 1520-1540.

He was born between 1470-1480 in the town Strängnäs in Sweden.

He and the brothers Laurentius and Olaus Petri aided the complete Swedish Bible translation of 1541, the "Gustav Vasa Bible." He was chancellor for King Gustav Vasa and cherished by the Archbishop Laurentius Petri because they shared a strong Lutheran faith.

After he had studied abroad, and travelled to Rome, Italy, he was appointed deacon of Strängnäs in 1509. On meeting with Olaus Petri, he accepted Lutheranism, and was promoted to archdeacon of Uppsala in the 1520s.

In 1540, he and Olaus Petri were sentenced to death. Opinions differ about the reason for this, and whether the sentence was justified. All agree, however, that the sentences were highly influenced by the King's personal opinions and disagreement with the men. After much pleading, the sentences were reduced to high fines and both men were set free.

He was said to have been one of the most knowledgeable men of his time.

He died April 14, 1552 in Strängnäs.

[edit] External links

• Article Laurentius Andreae Nordisk familjebok, in Swedish