The Heidelberg Catechism is the product of the vision of the pious Elector Fredrick III, sovereign of the Palatinate from 1559 to 1576. The Elector appointed Zacharius Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus, both renowned ministers of the word, to write a Reformed catechism for all people. Fredrick sought out extensive theological input from the leading Reformed scholars of his time to complete this project. The Catechism was divided into fifty-two sections, each to be taught each Sunday of the year. The Synod of Heidelberg approved the catechism in 1563. In the Netherlands, the National Synods of the sixteenth century adopted it as one of the Three Forms of Unity, making it requisite for Elders and Deacons to subscribe to, and ministers to teach. The Heidelberg Catechism has been translated into many languages and is regarded as the most influential Reformed catechism.

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