Argula Von Grumbach

1492-1568

Sometimes referred to as “The First Female Reformer,” Argula Von Grumbach is most famous for a letter she had written in 1523 to the University of Ingolstadt in which she rebuked them for threatening to imprison a professor, Arsacius Seehofer, for teaching Lutheran ideas to his students. Arugula had been a follower of Martin Luther since the publication of his treatises in 1520. She was in regular communication with Luther and other protestants by the time this bold letter had been written and she even met Luther in person in 1530.

In this letter of rebuke, Arugula used scripture over 80 times and challenged the professors to a public debate. This letter circulated quickly and went through 14 editions in just two months. This stirred up so much controversy that it caused her husband to lose his job and she acquired many outspoken critics. One professor insulted her in the middle of a sermon. Despite these afflictions, Argula remained steadfast in her faith and responded to her opponents by continuing the efforts of the reformation.

Notable Works:

1523 - To the University of Ingolstadt