Argula von Grumbach
vers 1492-vers 1554 16th century
Speaking up without a mandate, because one has read and can no longer keep silent.
Who was Argula von Grumbach?
A Bavarian noblewoman and mother of four, she was given a German Bible at ten and never let it go. On 20 September 1523, when the university of Ingolstadt forced a young student to recant, she wrote an open letter to the professors and had it printed; it was reprinted at once in several cities. Her husband lost his post because of her. She went on writing, without ever leaving her house or her children.
In their own words
I have not written you women's chatter, but the word of God, as a member of the Christian Church.