Auricular confession was permitted but not insisted upon.
[Sidenote: Church government] The problems of church government and organization were pressing.

Two alternatives, were theoretically possible, Congregationalism or state churches.

After some hesitation, Luther was convinced by the extravagances of Muenzer and his ilk that the latter was the only practicable course.

The governments of the various German states and cities were now given supreme power in ecclesiastical matters.

They took over the property belonging to the old church and {113} administered it generally for religious or educational or charitable purposes.