John III of Cleves

John III inherited the Duchy of Cleves upon the death of his father, John II. This succession placed him as ruler of a strategically important territory in the Lower Rhine region, setting the stage for his later territorial acquisitions.

John III married Maria, daughter of William IV of J

Upon the death of his father-in-law, William IV, John III inherited the Duchies of J

John III issued a church ordinance for the Duchy of Cleves, introducing moderate Protestant reforms while maintaining a degree of Catholic structure. This ordinance aimed to regulate religious practice and assert ducal authority over the church.