|
|
December 1, 2016
|
A Message from David W. Luz
|
|
|
|
The Priceless Gift of Freedom
|
 |
Christmastide in 1716 for the Schwenkfelders living in Silesia was peaceful and good. Crops were harvested and stored, larders were full, and faith could be lived in accord with cherished beliefs.
In 1719, that was to change forever. Jesuit missionaries arrived in Harpersdorf to convert the Schwenkfelders. Beginning "somewhat leniently," the mission soon resorted to force. So, despite having no "notion what it meant" or how to go about it, a delegation of three Schwenkfelders traveled to the Imperial Court in Vienna to plead for tolerance and the right to worship according to their consciences.
For five arduous years, the Schwenkfelder delegation presented to the Emperor seventeen petitions for patience and mercy. "We would like to be tolerated in our doctrine and faith and continue to remain free according to our understanding, and allow our descendants to enjoy this freedom, every housefather in his home to serve God with his family..."
Persecution followed the Schwenkfelders in Vienna and in Silesia. "I was especially pursued as the principal ring leader," wrote one to his children, "and a price was put on my head. I was threatened with life imprisonment. I could not practice our faith in those five years. I had placed you and your mother in great danger by being part of the delegation. During that time many acts of violence were committed among the Schwenkfelders. There were many arrests and punishments. Widows and orphans were apprehended...."
When it was clear that the Schwenkfelders' plea for religious toleration was not to be met, a resolute band of Schwenkfelder families fled from oppression in Silesia to freedom and independence in Pennsylvania. It was here, in America, that their ideals of religious tolerance and freedom from persecution could be met - where all could live in harmony with their neighbors.
"Moreover we leave everyone, whatever religion he might be, in peace and undisturbed and we also live with our neighbor in Christian love and harmony, nor do we forget charity toward friends and foes."
These stirring words from the 1722 petitions are a message for all time. Here, at the Heritage Center, this precious legacy conceived and brought by these leaders can inspire generations to come.
It is you who help keep this heritage alive today!
With your generous gift, will you join our faithful friends who each year support this cause?
David Luz
Remember, your 100% tax deductible gift can be mailed or donated
securely using PayPal.
 
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Hours: Monday closed. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-4pm, Thursday 9am-8pm, Saturday 10am-3pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm.
Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center 105 Seminary Street Pennsburg PA 18073 (215) 679-3103 Fax: (215) 679-8175 http://www.schwenkfelder.com
If you believe you have received
this message in error, we apologize. Please use the link at the bottom
of the email to unsubscribe.
|
|
|
