Start of the Swiss Reformation
Huldrych Zwingli stands before the Zurich Town Council, delivering a radical sermon challenging Catholic doctrines, advocating for scriptural authority over papal decrees, and calling for church refor
Setting
Zurich Town Hall, a grand civic building in the heart of the city. The large council chamber is filled with a mix of clerics, scholars, and city officials. Tall, arched windows let in the cold winter light, and the stone walls are adorned with tapestries depicting civic and religious scenes.
Characters
Huldrych Zwingli
primary
A lean man in his late 30s with sharp, angular features and intense dark eyes that burn with conviction. His short brown hair is neatly trimmed, and his clean-shaven face shows the marks of long study and fasting. His hands are expressive, often raised in emphasis during debate.
Mayor of Zurich
primary
A middle-aged man with a sturdy build, broad shoulders, and a square jaw. His short, dark brown hair is streaked with gray, and his neatly trimmed beard frames a face marked by deep-set, thoughtful eyes. His hands are strong, with calloused fingers from years of civic duties and occasional manual labor in his younger days.
Bishop's Representative
secondary
A middle-aged cleric with a slightly portly build, his face lined with the wear of theological disputes. His close-cropped salt-and-pepper hair is partially concealed by a black zucchetto, and his pale complexion suggests long hours spent indoors in study and prayer. His dark, piercing eyes are fixed intently on his opponent, betraying a mix of indignation and resolve.
Town Clerk
secondary
A middle-aged man with a lean build and a slightly hunched posture from years of clerical work. His thinning brown hair is neatly combed, and his sharp eyes dart between the speakers and his parchment. His fingers are stained with ink, and he wears a pair of small, round spectacles perched on his nose.
Weaver Guildmaster
background
A middle-aged man with a sturdy build, his hands rough from years of labor. His face is lined with experience, and his keen eyes reflect both shrewdness and concern. His dark brown hair is streaked with gray, tied back neatly under his cap.
Dialog
Huldrych Zwingli
The Scripture declares 'sola fide'—by faith alone are we justified! Shall we then continue to bow before graven images and empty rituals?
Bishop's Representative
Quod semper, quod ubique, quod ab omnibus—what has been believed always, everywhere, and by all! These novelties you preach, Zwingli, are the very definition of heresy.
Mayor of Zurich
Gentlemen, let us consider this matter with the sobriety it demands. Our city's peace hangs in the balance.
Huldrych Zwingli
Peace? True peace comes only when we cast aside the traditions of men and return to Christ's pure Word!
Bishop's Representative
By what authority do you presume to interpret Scripture apart from Holy Mother Church? This is the pride of Lucifer himself!
Mayor of Zurich
Enough! We shall have order in these proceedings. Master Zwingli, confine yourself to the articles we agreed to debate.
Huldrych Zwingli
Very well. Let us then examine Article Three—that the Mass is no true sacrifice, but only a remembrance, as Christ instituted it.