Heinrich Bullinger
Heinrich Bullinger (1504 - 1575) was a prominent Swiss reformer and theologian who succeeded Ulrich Zwingli as the chief pastor (Antistes) in Zurich after Zwingli's death in 1531. Bullinger, the illegitimate son of a priest, consolidated and advanced the Swiss Reformation, becoming one of the most influential second-generation Reformers. His literary output was prolific, exceeding that of Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli combined. Bullinger played a crucial role in bridging theological divides, particularly in reaching an agreement with John Calvin on the Lord's Supper, known as the Consensus Tigurinus (1549). He was also instrumental in shaping the English Reformation, with his works being widely circulated in England even before Calvin's. Bullinger's most significant contributions include authoring the Second Helvetic Confession (1566) and his collection of sermons known as the Decades, which was mandated reading for clergy in England. His influence extended throughout continental Europe and England, earning him the title "the common shepherd of all Christian churches" from Theodore Beza.
