Swedish Lutheran Archbishop of Uppsala. Known as Erik Benzelius the Elder, he served in this position from 1700 until his death, succeeding Olov Svebilius. After completing his Master's Degree at Uppsala University in 1661, he was employed as a tutor and travelled abroad for a few years. Upon his return, he was appointed professor extraordinary of history and moral philosophy at Uppsala University in 1665, of theology in 1666, and ordinary professor of theology in 1670. In 1687 he became Bishop of the Diocese of Strangnas, Sweden, before assuming the role of Archbishop of Uppsala thirteen years later. He played an important part in the various ecclesiastical committees active during the reigns of Kings Charles XI and Charles XII, such as that concerning the new Church Law of 1686, the new hymn book of 1695 and the new Bible translation. He died at the age of 81 and was succeeded by Haquin Spegel. Three of his sons would later be elected as Archbishop of Uppsala; Erik (appointed in 1742, but died before taking office), Jacob (serving 1744 to 1747), and Henrik (serving 1747 to 1758).
Swedish Lutheran Archbishop of Uppsala. Known as Erik Benzelius the Elder, he served in this position from 1700 until his death, succeeding Olov Svebilius. After completing his Master's Degree at Uppsala University in 1661, he was employed as a tutor and travelled abroad for a few years. Upon his return, he was appointed professor extraordinary of history and moral philosophy at Uppsala University in 1665, of theology in 1666, and ordinary professor of theology in 1670. In 1687 he became Bishop of the Diocese of Strangnas, Sweden, before assuming the role of Archbishop of Uppsala thirteen years later. He played an important part in the various ecclesiastical committees active during the reigns of Kings Charles XI and Charles XII, such as that concerning the new Church Law of 1686, the new hymn book of 1695 and the new Bible translation. He died at the age of 81 and was succeeded by Haquin Spegel. Three of his sons would later be elected as Archbishop of Uppsala; Erik (appointed in 1742, but died before taking office), Jacob (serving 1744 to 1747), and Henrik (serving 1747 to 1758).
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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