Christoph von Utenheim

Christoph von Utenheim (* 1450, † March 16, 1527 in Pruntrut ) was Bishop of Basel from 1502 until his resignation 1527th

Christoph von Utenheim was born around 1450 into a noble family from Alsace. He studied theology and canon law in Basel and Erfurt. 1473 or 1474 he was elected Rector of the University of Basel. In 1475 he put his doctoral exam in theology. The chapter of the diocese of Basel elected him on December 1, 1502 the new bishop. Unlike most of his contemporaries who abused the office of bishop as a means to increase the prosperity and influence of one's family, Christoph von Utenheim seems to have taken his spiritual and pastoral duties seriously. His motto was Spes mea crux of Christ; Gratiam, non operational Quaero, which can be translated as: " The cross of Christ is my hope. Seeking grace, not works. " This was also the motto of Jean Gerson, a major French theologian of the 15th century. As a new bishop he called 1503 a diocesan synod, to reform the diocese. To this end, he also invited the famous humanist Jacob Wimpfeling. This attempt at reform, however, was prevented by the cathedral chapter.

The failure of the first reform attempt to change the injustices in his diocese, he did not hold on further action, the clergy to remind them of their obligations. He exhorted them especially not to do with the curling iron curls in your hair to do not trade in the churches or otherwise to rock the boat, not to engage in pubs or horse trade or stolen goods to buy. In 1515, he invited John Oecolampadius to be preacher in Basel. During this time, his reforming zeal showed by his criticism of the custom weave funny stories in the Easter sermons. 1520 Oecolampadius resigned from this post.

In the sign of the emerging Reformation, which won more and more fans in Basel, the episcopal authority was increasingly shaken. From Utenheim complained on January 26, 1524, together with the bishops of Lausanne and Constance at the Synod of Lucerne on the dissolution of the Church's unity. The three bishops submitted a reform program, but never entered into force. Finally, he resigned and entered on February 19, 1527 from his office. He retired with the cathedral chapter after Pruntrut, where he died shortly afterwards. He was buried in Mountain Dels.