Christian III of Denmark

Christian III defeated the forces of the deposed Christian II and the Hanseatic League in the Count's Feud, a civil war. His victory secured his throne and allowed him to implement religious reforms without opposition.

Christian III issued a decree establishing the Lutheran Church as the state church of Denmark-Norway. Catholic bishops were imprisoned, church property was confiscated, and the Reformation was enforced throughout the realm.

Christian III confiscated all Catholic church lands and wealth, transferring them to the crown. This greatly increased royal revenues and weakened the nobility's power, strengthening the monarchy's financial base.

Christian III enacted the Church Ordinance, written by Johannes Bugenhagen, which organized the Lutheran Church in Denmark. It established bishops, liturgy, and education, creating a uniform state church system.