The Heidelberg Catechism, was written in Heidelberg at the request of Elector Frederick III, ruler of the most influential German province, the Palatinate, from 1559 to 1576.

It was adopted by the Synod of Heidelberg on January 19, 1563.

It is set out in 3 parts:   

1: Our Sin and Misery

2: Our Deliverance

3: Our Thankfulness

There are a total of 129 Questions and Answers, divided into 52 Lord's Day's. This allows for one Lord's Day to be explained each Sunday of the year.

The Catechism has been translated into many languages and is the most influential and the most generally accepted of the several catechisms of Reformation times.

Last modified: July 22, 1999