The Diet of Worms

A diet was a formal assembly, convened by Emperor Maximilian to settle disputes. Luther publicly refused to recant of his writings. He said, ‘Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason… I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. Here I stand; I can do no other. May God help me. Amen.’