Katharina Schütz Zell: The Religious Vocation of a Female Reformer in Sixteenth-Century Strasbourg

Abstract

Katharina Schütz Zell lived in the free imperial city of Strasbourg during the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century. Commitment to a lifelong faith led Katharina to embrace early protestant beliefs: salvation by faith and grace, the sole authority of Scripture, and the priesthood of all believers. In 1524, she joined the reform movement and began sharing her beliefs. This study argues that Katharina Schütz Zell established herself as a reformer who served God through Christ with love and compassion. Katharina’s early writings convey her steadfast values of Christian living. In times of chaos and uncertainty, her unwavering faith provided continuity for believers in Strasbourg. In later writings, her belief in the priesthood of all believers and her extensive religious knowledge supported Katharina’s authority against criticisms. Katharina Schütz Zell continually served God by teaching other believers about His love and grace.