Michael Weisse

Michael Weisse was a German Moravian bishop and hymn writer who played an important role in early Protestant hymnody during the Reformation era. Born in Silesia, he initially served as a Franciscan monk before joining the Unitas Fratrum or Moravian Church during the early years of the Reformation. Weisse later became a bishop within the Moravian community and devoted much of his work to promoting congregational worship through hymn singing. He edited and contributed to one of the earliest Moravian hymnals which contained many hymns written for congregational use. One of his best known hymns is Christ the Lord Is Risen Again which celebrates the resurrection of Christ. Weisse efforts helped establish the strong musical and devotional tradition that later characterized Moravian worship and missionary activity.