Lutheran Confession Quote

I have now begun reading the Smalcald Articles. 

The Smalcald Articles were written by Martin Luther.  The Lutherans were being summoned to the Roman Church Council in Mantua, Italy which was to begin on Mary 23, 1537.  John Frederick commissioned Martin Luther to prepare a statement of faith so that the Lutherans could all be united in their doctrine and this was to be presented in Smalcald, Germany on February 7, 1537.

The Smalcald Articles speak of the difference between the Roman Catholic faith and the Lutheran belief.  This is seen through a series of rejection of errors and affirming truth statements. 

The Mantua council was never held.  It was finally reconvened in Trent, Italy in 1545.  The Church debated items at the council of Trent until 1563.  This Council of Trent produced The Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent which is an authoritative work of the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church.  Martin Cheminitz wrote the Lutheran response The Examination of the Council of Trent.