John VI, George, Anna, and their mother remained Catholics, while Christopher and Anthony I chose the Lutheran faith.
Furthermore, Christopher and Anthony I tried to improve relationships with neighbouring East Frisia with a double wedding.
John VI and George opposed this wedding for dynastic reasons, since the Cirksena family ruling East Frisia had only been raised to imperial counts in 1464.
John VI sued his brothers, demanding an equal share in power, or else a division of the county.
In 1542, the case was settled out of court, with John accepting financial compensation while renouncing his claims to co-rulership.