On this day at the Diet of Worms, 1521

Martin Luther Refuses to Recant

Holy Roman Emperor Declares Luther a Heretic 

Issues Death Sentence

"Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Holy Scriptures or by evident reason-for I can believe neither pope nor councils alone, as it is clear that they have erred repeatedly and contradicted themselves-I consider myself convicted by the testimony of Holy Scripture, which is my basis; my conscience is captive to the Word of God. Thus I cannot and will not recant, because acting against one's conscience is neither safe nor sound. God help me. Amen." - Martin Luther.