Tanchelmus

Tanchelm

Tanchelm, (also known as Tanchelin, Tanchelmus or Tanchelinus), born in Zeeland (Netherlands), was a medieval heretic and sect leader. Most of what we know about him, comes from those who opposed him, for Tanchelm himself did not leave behind any writings.

He turned against the Roman Catholic Church and its sacramental principles. Among his doctrines he taught that sacraments missed the desired effect when administered by unworthy clergymen.

He preached in Zeeland and the Flanders and settled in Antwerp, where eventually he was killed by a priest in 1115.

Also after his death his beliefs were upheld by a considerable number of adherents. This is substantiated by the fact that, as late as 1124, St. Norbert was sent to Antwerp by the pope in order to overthrow this heresy, which explains why St. Norbert is often portrayed in the visual arts triumphing over Tanchelm holding a monstrance.