Religion 1450 up to 1500

The secular world mixed with the church. In 1483 Duke Magnus wanted to convert St. James’ church in Rostock into a collegiate church and thus strengthen his influence over the city. The dispute with the city lasted for eight years.

In 1492, 20 Sternberg Jews were burned because they had allegedly pierced the consecrated sacramental bread and the remaining Jews were expelled from the state. Yet the sacramental breads found a place in the town‘s parish church as “holy blood.” Pilgrimages characterised religious practices at the end of the Middle Ages. Pilgrims travelled throughout Europe. Churches and chapels received countless donations for the soul.

The secular and ecclesiastic worlds converge. Count Bogislaw I acquires the authority to appoint the most senior clergy; he also has a say in the assignment of priests and brings the large rural monasteries under his control. The 1492 Synode of Stargard threatens to impose harsh punishments on priests found to be engaging in overly earthly practices.

Bogislaw X restricts residence rights for Jews in 1481. Accused of defiling hosts, 20 Jews from Sternberg are burned in 1492. The count is involved in these proceedings and afterwards banishes the protected Jews from Pomerania.

Pilgrimages are characteristic in the practice of faith at the end of the Middle Ages. The pilgrims travel throughout Europe. Churches and chapels receive innumerable donations in return for absolution.