Anne Boleyn (c. 1501-1536): Anne Boleyn may be one of the most well-known and controversial figures in English history! Yet the fact remains that she was one of the primary catalysts for King Henry VIII’s Act of Supremacy, which inadvertently initiated the Protestant Reformation in England. Though not always recognized or appreciated, as Queen of England Anne took a brave stand for the Word of God and church reform in a volatile political and religious climate. She was more than just an enigmatic figure in English history–she is definitely a woman worth knowing!

Margaret Wilson (1667-1685) & Margaret McLachlan (d.1685): Having set the stage, we now get to tell the story of the Wigtown Martyrs of Scotland! Margaret Wilson was a grandmother in her sixties, while Margaret McLachlan was just a girl of eighteen; yet because of their faith in Jesus Christ and dependence on His Word instead of religious and political authorities, these two brave women were arrested and executed for their faith. Their willingness to lay down their lives for Jesus made them radiant and inspiring witnesses...and most certainly women worth knowing!

Margaret Wilson (1667-1685) & Margaret McLachlan (d.1685): We continue our look at women of the Reformation period with the story of the Wigtown Martyrs, two remarkable Scottish women of faith. BUT before we launch into their story, we felt it was important to explore the background of the Reformation in Scotland, so we can understand just what these women were up against! It’s pretty fascinating stuff–you won’t want to miss it!

 Argula von Grumbach (1492-c.1557) & Marie Dentiere (1495-1561): The early years of the Protestant Reformation created unprecedented opportunities for women, particularly in terms of writing. Two standout examples of this phenomenon are the fearless and outspoken authors, Argula von Grumbach and Marie Dentiere. Confident of their biblical standing as Christian women in ministry, Argula and Marie tackled highly controversial issues of their day, regardless of pushback from religious leaders. Although censured and suppressed in their lifetime, they have since been recognized as profound theological writers and key Reformation figures. They are without a doubt women worth knowing!

Vittoria Colonna (c.1492-1547) & Olimpia Morata (c.1526-1555): One of the most unlikely homes of Reformation thought and teaching was the Catholic stronghold of Italy–and two of the most unlikely figures of the Italian Reformation were female authors Vittoria Colonna and Olimpia Morata! These women bravely defended the biblical principles of justification by faith and the authority of Scripture at the risk of censure and, particularly in Morata’s case, of their own personal well-being. You will definitely want to hear the stories of these brilliant writers and witnesses for Christ!

Jeanne d’Albret (1528-1572): We are back for Part Two of the captivating story of Jeanne d’Albret, the French princess who took a stand against the political and spiritual corruption of the French aristocracy for the cause of Christ. Not only did Jeanne bring radical reform and religious tolerance to her kingdoms, but she became the backbone of the Huguenot movement. What’s more, her godly influence on her son led him to eventually issue the Edict of Nantes, a revolutionary document that brought religious freedom to France. It is hard to imagine what course the nation of France might have taken in the 16th and 17th centuries without the dynamic spiritual influence of this woman worth knowing!

Jeanne d’Albret (1528-1572): The apple doesn’t fall from the tree–at least in the case of Jeanne d’Albret! A reform-minded French royal like her mother, Marguerite de Navarre, Jeanne went a step further than her mom by boldly breaking with the Catholic Church and aligning herself fully with the Protestant cause. Placed in precarious political situations from the time she was young, Jeanne relied on her relationship with Jesus to give her the strength and conviction she needed to navigate the political corruption and spiritual complacency plaguing the French Court. And that’s just scratching the surface! So join us for Part One of her intriguing story!

Marguerite de Navarre (1492-1549): Without a doubt, the French Reformation would not have had the impact it did without the influence of Marguerite de Navarre and her daughter, Jeanne d’Albret! As the sister of King Francis I, Marguerite made an incredible impact for the furtherance of the Gospel and the Reformation movement in France by protecting Huguenot reformers, promoting their cause, and writing profound theological works. As a member of the French royalty, her willingness to align herself with the persecuted Protestants at the risk of her own reputation and position is nothing short of remarkable! Once you hear her story, we know you will love Marguerite as much as we do!

Renee of France (1510-1575): We continue today with the fascinating story of Renee of France, a member of the French royalty who risked her own comfort, reputation, and well-being to stand with the Huguenots (French Reformers) for the truth of God's Word and the message of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. Her willingness to not only love "in word or tongue, but in deed and truth" made her a powerful encouragement and inspiration to the Reformers of her day, and a wonderful example for us to follow in this generation!

Renee of France (1510-1575): One of the most dramatic and dynamic hotbeds of the Protestant Reformation was the nation of France–and one of the key Reformation figures in that country was Renee of France, a courageous and godly woman who also happened to be the daughter of King Louis XII! In today’s episode we chronicle Renee’s early years in the French Court, highlighting not only the early developments of her Christian faith, but the dangers she would face as Catholic religious and political leaders began to resist the Reformation movement. This first part of her intriguing story will leave you wondering what happens next!