Edict of Worms

Worms, Edict of, civil decree issued at Worms, Germany, in 1521, denouncing religious reformer Martin Luther as a heretic, banning his writings, and calling for his capture. The question of whether or not to enforce the edict was a subject of great controversy until a truce was declared in 1555 with the Peace of Augsburg.

See also: Luther, Martin; Reformation.