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The Reformation At the beginning of the sixteenth century, the Catholic church had become extremely powerful but, it had become internally corrupt. From early in the twelfth century onward there are calls for reform. Between 1215 and 1545 nine church-councils were held with church reforms as their primary intent. The councils still could not repair the church. The clergy was unable to live according to church doctrine. In the first half of the sixteenth century, western Europe …

…of reinforcing its representation of the orthodox faith. In the second half of the 16th century the theological conflict become a political power struggle. By the time Martin Luther died in 1546 and John Calvin in 1564 the Reformation message was finally complete. The Protestant movement had split into a number of sectarian churches, and no more great Protestant reformers were to appear. The Council of Trent ended in 1563, also bringing the Counter-reformation to a theological halt.