Augsburg Confession

Augsburg Confession, a document drawn up by Melanchthon with Luther's approval, signed by the Elector of Saxony and other German princes, and read at the diet of Augsburg, June 25th, 1530. Part I. stated the doctrines of the Reformers, while Part II. enumerated the seven principal abuses complained of in the Roman Church (communion in one kind, clerical celibacy, private masses, confession, the admission of tradition, monastic vows, and indulgences). A refutation, prepared by Roman Catholic theologians, was read at the Diet in September, but not accepted by the Reformers. Melanchthon had meanwhile prepared an Apology for the Augsburg Confession (pub. 1531), which is an elaborate defence of and commentary upon it.