1577 (published 1580)

The Formula of Concord and the "Book of Concord"

After Luther's death, Lutheranism split. On one side stood the strict-line "Gnesio-Lutherans", led by Matthias Flacius. On the other were the more moderate "Philippists", followers of Melanchthon. The disputes concerned adiaphora, free will, good works, the sacrament and other issues.

The Formula of Concord was drafted chiefly by Jacob Andreae and Martin Chemnitz and largely completed in 1577. It resolved these disputes, generally in the spirit of strict Lutheranism. It also drew a sharp line against Calvinism, calling its adherents "subtle sacramentarians".

The Formula entered the "Book of Concord", published in 1580, together with the ancient creeds, the Augsburg Confession, the Apology, the Schmalkald Articles and Luther's catechisms. This book united the Lutheran churches for more than four centuries.