John Hooper (1555)

April 25th, 2025
by Jon Holaday

John was born in a wealthy English Catholic family. He was well educated and became an outspoken Puritan preacher. He was actually offered a bishop position by the English Crown but turned it down. He would be pressured actually to take it as they threw him in prison for his refusal. Out of reluctance, he accepted for a time, and then could not bare the corruption. Two years later, queen Mary (bloody) ascended the throne. He would be one of many Protestant martyrs by her evil hand. Hooper accused the pope & the entire Catholic church of opposing Christ' teachings. This was a bold gigantic move. He was condemned to death on 3 charges, He was a married priest who advocated for marriage, married people could divorce due to adultery, & the communion elements were not the literal body & blood of Jesus but symbolic.
While in his cell awaiting death, he wrote "Fear not death, pass not for bands. Only in God put your trust. Death is no death, but amens to live." Hooper was tied to the stake to be burned but given one last chance to repent, with a pardon before him. Up until now, they banned him to speak due to his repulsiveness but was given a response! "Away with it, away with it" he said, and then entered heaven.