<P> During the Reformation the teachings of Martin Luther led to the end of the monasteries, but a few Protestants followed monastic lives . Loccum Abbey and Amelungsborn Abbey have the longest traditions as Lutheran monasteries . Since the 19th century there have been a renewal in the monastic life among Protestants . </P> <P> Monastic life in England came to an abrupt end with Dissolution of the Monasteries during the reign of King Henry VIII . The property and lands of the monasteries were confiscated and either retained by the king or given to loyal protestant nobility . Monks and nuns were forced to either flee for the continent or to abandon their vocations . For around 300 years, there were no monastic communities within any of the Anglican churches . </P> <P> All of Scandinavia ultimately adopted Lutheranism over the course of the 16th century, as the monarchs of Denmark (who also ruled Norway and Iceland) and Sweden (who also ruled Finland) converted to that faith . </P> <P> In Sweden the Reformation was spearheaded by Gustav Vasa, elected king in 1523 . Friction with the pope over interference in Swedish ecclesiastical affairs led to the discontinuance of any official connection between Sweden and the papacy from 1523 . Four years later, at the Diet of Västerås, the king succeeded in forcing the diet to accept his dominion over the national church . The king was given possession of all church property, church appointments required royal approval, the clergy were subject to the civil law, and the "pure Word of God" was to be preached in the churches and taught in the schools--effectively granting official sanction to Lutheran ideas . </P>

What was life like in 16th century italy