Michael Hooper (bishop)

Michael Hooper (died 1555) was an English Marian martyr and former Bishop of Gloucester and Worcester. A prominent figure in the English Reformation, he was a leading proponent of Protestant doctrines during the reign of Edward VI.

Hooper was educated at Merton College, Oxford, and initially served as a chaplain to Sir Thomas Arundel. He later became influenced by Reformed theology and fled England during the reign of Henry VIII to avoid persecution. He spent time in Switzerland, where he was exposed to the teachings of theologians like Heinrich Bullinger and became a staunch advocate for Zwinglian theology, particularly concerning the Eucharist.

Upon returning to England following the accession of Edward VI in 1547, Hooper became a popular and influential preacher in London. His strong views against elaborate ecclesiastical vestments and rituals caused controversy, particularly during his appointment as Bishop of Gloucester in 1550. He refused to wear the required vestments, leading to imprisonment. Eventually, a compromise was reached, allowing him to be consecrated bishop, though he remained critical of what he perceived as Catholic remnants in the Church of England. In 1552, he was also appointed Bishop of Worcester, holding both sees concurrently.

With the accession of the Catholic Queen Mary I in 1553, Hooper was deprived of his bishoprics and imprisoned for his Protestant beliefs. After refusing to recant his faith, he was condemned as a heretic and burned at the stake in Gloucester on February 9, 1555. His courage and steadfastness in the face of death made him a significant figure in the history of the English Reformation and a celebrated Protestant martyr. He is remembered for his commitment to Reformed theology and his willingness to defend his beliefs even at the cost of his life.