ABSTRACT
The 'ecclesiastical complaint of the common citizenry of the city Emden', presented to the East Frisian Landtag in 1590. As Emden became more clearly 'Reformed' in its confessional outlook, tensions increased between the authorities and minority groups. The Emden consistory frequently addressed questions regarding Anabaptists and Anabaptism, for the Reformed church frequently lost members to the Mennonite congregation; or it had to 'correct' someone who was leaning toward Anabaptist beliefs. The Reformed ministers and deacons were scandalised by the social welfare activities of the Lutherans, but what is perhaps most telling to people is the fact that they were able to gain support from across the town, and the local deacons felt some of their revenues slipping away. The Emden citizenry established a Calvinist city church and gained constitutional autonomy and independence from the Lutheran count and his territorial church.
