Today’s Leader of Faith
LEONHARD SCHIEMER – Martyr
Home Call : 14 Jan 1528
Early Anabaptist, Theologian, Author, Hymn Compose
Leonhard Schiemer (1500-1528) was an early Anabaptist leader and martyr who was brutally killed by Roman Catholic authorities for his belief in Anabaptism. He was part of the South German Anabaptist movement alongside leaders like Hans Denck, Hans Hut, Hans Schlaffer, Ambrosius Spittelmayr, and Hans Nadler who emphasized a spiritual approach to faith, teaching that the “outer word” (Scripture alone) was not enough for true understanding but true light comes from the Holy Spirit shining in the heart. He and his followers left their earthly properties, embracing communal living, which influenced their church members. His theology is focused on bringing many people closer to the experience of Christ’s suffering and his writings were reflected in his hymns, preserved and still used.
Schiemer was born in Vocklabruck and Vienna by devout parents and initially aspired to join the Catholic priesthood. Disillusioned by the lack of godliness among priests, he joined the pious Barefoot Friars (Franciscans) but found hypocrisy and strife there as well. After six years, he fled the monastery at Judenburg, Styria. He travelled to Nürnberg, where he learned the tailor’s trade and likely encountered key figures of the Radical Reformation. Later, he went to Nikolsburg, Moravia, to hear Hubmaier’s teachings, which he had previously opposed. From there, he moved to Vienna to seek true Christianity under Hans Hut. Initially mistrusted as a spy by the assembly in Kärntnerstrasse, Schiemer soon accepted believer’s baptism from Oswald Glait in the spring of 1527. Within six months of his baptism he preached in 28 cities, winning more than 200 converts to Anabaptism.
Schiemer went to Steyr in Upper Austria, a hub for radical ideas, where he baptized many converts. Later appointed as a preacher, he travelled to Salzburg, Bavaria, and Tyrol to spread the faith despite knowing monasteries (Catholic authorities) sought his capture. He was arrested in Rattenberg, Tyrol, on November 25, 1527, just six months after his conversion. Although imprisoned, he continued teaching and writing, with his epistles profoundly influencing the Anabaptist movement. During his brief imprisonment until January 1528, he wrote and published several influential works. These writings reflect his theological insights and unwavering commitment to Anabaptist beliefs, even in the face of imminent execution. He also composed hymns that reflected his theology.
In January 1528 Schiemer began looking for a way to escape, but failed. He was arrested again and subsequently handed over to the executioner. After extensive torture he was ultimately beheaded on 14 January 1528 in Rattenberg. His martyrdom was part of a larger pattern of persecution in Rattenberg, where between 1528 and 1540, another 70 Anabaptist men and women were executed by Roman Catholic authorities for their faith.
“Today’s Leader of Faith” Ministry aims to inspire people to serve God, by sharing brief biographies. If you have a burden, inspire others too.
Praise the Lord 🙏🏻
John Michael, Rajahmundry.