[or Lars Andersson]. Swedish reformer. He studied theology in Rome, but afterward at Wittenberg he heard and accepted Luther’s teachings. While archdeacon in Strengnas, he was instrumental in converting King Gustavus Vasa to the principles of the Reformation. Andersson superintended the translation of the New Testament into Swedish (published in folio, 1526), and labored successfully for the introduction of the Reformation into his native country at the diet of Westeras in 1527. He became chancellor of Sweden under Gustavus Vasa, and actively opposed the plan of rendering the church independent of secular power. In 1540, being accused of misprision of treason, he was condemned to death, but the sentence was commuted to fines. The remainder of his life was spent in seclusion at Strengnas, where he died on the 29th of April 1552.
