Frants Berg (1504 – 2 November 1591) was a Danish clergyman who served as the Bishop of Oslo.[1]

Frants Berg
Bishop Frants Berg
Personal details
Born1504
Odense, Denmark
Died2 November 1591(1591-11-02) (aged 86–87)
Oslo, Norway
NationalityDanish
DenominationLutheran
ParentsClaus Berg
Margrethe de Groth
SpouseKarine Lauridsdatter
(ca. 1515-1570)
OccupationBishop of the Diocese of Oslo
Alma materOdense University
University of Rostock

He was born in Odense, Denmark. He was the son Claus Berg (ca. 1470 – ca. 1532) and his wife Margrethe de Groth. His father was a German born sculptor and painter who was engaged by John, King of Denmark and whose decorative work appeared in Danish churches. Queen Christina of Saxony (1461–1521), consort of King John, was his godmother. Queen Christine paid for his education, first at Odense University and later at the University of Rostock.[2]

In 1531, he was rector in Odense, in 1540 he was vicar at Ribe Cathedral and in 1546 of St. Nicholas' Church in Copenhagen. The Protestant Reformation in Denmark and Norway was introduced in 1537 when King Christian III of Denmark declared Lutheranism as the official religion. Berg played a key role in the conversion of the Church of Norway. In 1548, he was promoted to superintendent in Oslo and Hamar. He served as Bishop of the Diocese of Oslo from 1548 to 1580.[3]

After his retirement he resided in Oslo, where he died in 1591.[3]

Personal life

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He was married to Karine Lauridsdatter (ca. 1515-1570). His daughter Gidse Frantsdatter Berg (born 1545) was married to Rasmus Hjort (ca. 1525-1604) who succeeded him as dean in Tønsberg. Berg's daughter Magdalena Frantsdatter Berg (1546–1583) married Jens Nilssøn (1538-1600) who succeeded him as Bishop of Oslo. He was the grandfather of Norwegian clergyman Christoffer Hjort (1561-1616).[4] [5] [6]

References

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  1. ^ Godal, Anne Marit (ed.). "Frants Berg". Store norske leksikon (in Norwegian). Oslo: Norsk nettleksikon. Retrieved 10 June 2012.
  2. ^ "Frants Berg". Den Store Danske. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
  3. ^ a b Oftestad, Bernt. "Frants Berg". In Helle, Knut (ed.). Norsk biografisk leksikon (in Norwegian). Oslo: Kunnskapsforlaget. Retrieved 10 June 2012.
  4. ^ Vibeke Roggen. "Rasmus Hjort". Norsk biografisk leksikon. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
  5. ^ Vibeke Roggen. "Jens Nilssøn". Norsk biografisk leksikon. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
  6. ^ Anne Stensvold. "Christoffer Hjort". Store norske leksikon. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
Preceded by Bishop of Oslo
1548–1580
Succeeded by