PRACTICING WHAT WE TEACH

The Beginnings of Unitarian Universalism

© Cheryll Wallace 2008

Some Transylvanian Unitarian History:

1566: Francis David preaches against the doctrine of the Trinity in Transylvania.

1568: King John Sigismund of Transylvania, under the influence of Francis David, coverts to Unitarianism and issues the earliest edict of religious toleration.

1569: King Sigismund publicly declares himself a Unitarian.

1571: Unitarianism is declared one of the four official “received” faiths of Transylvania.

          King Sigismund dies two months later.

1579: Francis David, now Bishop of the Unitarian churches in Transylvania, is condemned as a heretic and dies in prison.

Declaration of Religious Tolerance:   In every place the preachers shall preach and explain the Gospel, each according to his understanding of it, and if the congregation like it, well; if not, no one shall compel them, for their souls would not be satisfied, but they shall be permitted to keep a preacher whose teaching they approve. Therefore none of the Bishops or others shall annoy or abuse the preachers on account of their religion... or allow any to be imprisoned or punished by removal from his post on account of his teachings, for faith is the gift of God. This comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of God. —King John Sigismund of Transylvania, 1557

“How did Unitarianism flower in such a remote place as Transylvania? King John Sigismund really was the first and probably only Unitarian king. In John Sigismund's kingdom lived a Unitarian preacher of extraordinary talents: Ferenz David, or as we call him in English, Francis David. This preacher had a remarkable spiritual journey. He was born a Roman Catholic and became a Catholic priest and director of a religious school. However, his doubts led him to become first a Lutheran and then a Calvinist. David subsequently studied the doctrine of Trinity and finally embraced the Unitarian position, or, as we like to say, he finally found his religious home. He became the leader of the Unitarian faction in Transylvania.

Tensions arose among the Lutherans, Calvinists, and even Catholics now as this strong Unitarian faction arose in Transylvania. King John Sigismund wondered why religious issues couldn't be discussed without wars or inquisitions. He called for a great debate with representatives of each of these faiths, since he felt reasoned argument was the best way to arrive at the truth. The debate began on March 3, 1568, lasted for 10 days and began each morning at 5:00 am. Believe it or not, this was the equivalent of today's Super Bowl, and interest ran high. Such a debate could not take place throughout most of the world at the time, and even in Transylvania, this was a novelty.

In a debate based on reason, the Unitarian, Francis David, carried the day, not only on the weight of argument but because he was also a talented, entertaining speaker. Plus, not only had he studied each of the religion's beliefs and principles, but he had been a clergyman of each of the religions during his life. The king and most of the audience declared the Unitarian David the winner. King John Sigismund converted to Unitarianism, and David became the court preacher for the remainder of the King's reign. When Francis David visited his home in Koloszvar, he received a hero's welcome and became quite a celebrity.

King John Sigismund didn't decree that everyone become Unitarian, though many citizens did, but renewed the edict of religious tolerance. His reign didn't last long: he died in a carriage accident without an heir. Eventually Francis David was arrested because of his beliefs and without King John to rule in his favor. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. David was spared the death sentence probably because of his great popularity.” ( from “Early Unitarianism” by Kay Saucier   http://www.uufhc.net/s040815.html )

Updated Aug. 30, 2008 wfr