Urbanus Rhegius

Urbanus Henricus Rhegius or Urban Rieger (May 1489, in Langenargen – 23 May 1541, in Celle) was a Protestant Reformer who was active both in Northern and Southern Germany in order to promote Lutheran unity in the Holy Roman Empire.

[1] He was educated at the Latin school in Lindau and then studied arts at Freiburg University.

From 1521 he began to support the Reform Movement and was a clear admirer of Martin Luther.

This forced him to leave his post, and he returned to Langenargen, before going to Hall in the Tyrol where he preached until 1523.

From 1535 he was a strong advocate of tolerating the Jews within Germany (an uncommon view at that time).