 Having entered the ecclesiastical state, in 1072 he was made Bishop of Basel by Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of the Germans; in recognition of this favour, Burchard was loyal to the king and became one of his advisers.In Henry's first difficulties with the Saxons (1073–75), Burchard rendered him full assistance.When the Investiture Controversy between Henry and Pope Gregory VII (1073–85) broke out, Burchard was among the bishops who in January 1076 assembled at Worms, proclaimed the deposition of the pope, and wrote him an insulting letter.