Hermann of Cologne

Hermann of Cologne (prince archbishop), son of Frederick I, count of Wied, was educated for the priesthood, elected archbishop in 1515, and confirmed by pope Leo X as Hermann V. Having imbibed the principles of the Reformation, he first attempted a Roman Catholic reform in Cologne, but, finding this impossible, he at last assumed a Protestant position, and invited Bucer and Melancthon, in 1542, to assist him. Had he succeeded in his plans, the whole Rhine country would probably have become Protestant; but he was excommunicated by the pope, menaced by the emperor, and abandoned by his estates. He finally resigned his office in 1547, and retired to his estates in Wied, where he died Aug. 15, 1552. He was beloved by his people, honored by the emperor Charles V, and esteemed by the great leaders of the Reformation. An account of Hermann's relation to his times is given in Deckers, Hermann von Wied (Cologne, 1840). His Form of Service was made use of in the framing of the English "Book of Common Prayer." See Hase, Church History, § 337-340; Hardwick, History of the Reformation, p. 65, 213. SEE COMMON PRAYER.