Magisterial

The term “Reformation” is frequently modified by “magisterial” and “radical.” Magisterial Reformation denotes the evangelical reform movements that were supported and enabled by magistrates, whether on the level of kings, princes, or town councils. Thus, for example, Luther won the support of the prince of Electoral Saxony, Zwingli the support of the town council of Zurich, and Calvin that of the councils of Geneva.

 

Carter Lindberg, The European Reformations, 2nd Edition (Oxford, UK: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010), 34