Gerhard Wolter Molanus

Who was Gerhard Wolter Molanus?

Gerhard Wolter Molanus was Lutheran theologian and abbot of Loccum.

He studied theology at Helmstedt; and in 1659 was appointed professor of mathematics and theology at University of Rinteln. 1671 Molanus became conventual of a Lutheran Loccum Abbey and 1672 coadjutor of the abbot. There he lived in celibacy according to the Rule of St. Benedict. In 1674 Duke John Frederick called him to Hanover as director of the consistory after Justus Gesenius. 1677 he became abbot of Loccum under title Gerhard I, one of the most influential offices in the duchy.

As a disciple of Calixtus during the Syncretistic Controversy, Molanus used his power to abolish the hostility which prevailed between the Lutherans and the Reformed. He was very active in aiding the Reformed, who after their expulsion from France by the revocation of the edict of Nantes found a refuge in the country of Hanover. Molanus was also commissioned by the duke to bring about a reconciliation between Protestants and Roman Catholics. The Roman Catholic representative was Cristoval Royas de Spinola, who appeared in Hanover in 1676 and then in 1683.