William Farel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Farel
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Oil on wood, 16th Century in the Bibliothèque de Genève.
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| Born |
Guilhem Farel
1489 |
| Died | 1565 (aged 75–76) |
| Occupation | Evangelist, theologian |
| Years active | 1522–1565 |
| Theological work | |
| Era | Reformation |
| Language | French |
| Tradition or movement | Calvinist |
William Farel (1489 – 13 September 1565) was an important French Protestant reformer. He helped start the Calvinist Church in parts of Switzerland, like Neuchâtel and Geneva.
Farel is well-known for convincing John Calvin to stay in Geneva in 1536. He also persuaded Calvin to return there in 1541 after they had been asked to leave. Together, Farel and Calvin made Geneva a major center for Protestants. Many Protestants found safety there. They also trained preachers to spread Protestant ideas, especially in France.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Farel was born in 1489 in Gap, France. He studied at the University of Paris. This was during the early years of the Protestant Reformation.
At the university, Farel met a scholar named Jacques Lefevre d'Etaples. Lefevre helped Farel become a professor. Farel taught grammar and philosophy at the Collège Cardinal Lemoine in Paris.
The Meaux Circle
Farel joined a group called the Cercle de Meaux. This group was led by Bishop Guillaume Briçonnet. The bishop wanted to reform the Catholic Church from within.
By 1522, Farel became a preacher for the bishop. He invited other scholars to help with the reform program. This group focused on studying the Bible and returning to early Christian ideas.
While working in Meaux, Farel learned about Lutheran ideas. He became a strong supporter of them. Even though he later worked closely with John Calvin, Farel first promoted Lutheran teachings.
Spreading New Ideas
Farel had to leave France because of his strong opinions. He wrote against using images in Christian worship. This caused a lot of disagreement.
In 1524, Farel went to Basel, Switzerland. He wrote thirteen statements criticizing Roman Catholic beliefs. His arguments were so strong that he was asked to leave Basel too.
Moving Around Switzerland
Farel then traveled to Strasbourg and Montbéliard. But he was forced to leave these places as well. He spent time with other reformers like Huldrych Zwingli in Zurich and Martin Bucer in Strasbourg.
Eventually, Farel was allowed to preach anywhere in the Canton of Bern. In 1530, he convinced the city of Neuchâtel to join the Reformation.
Farel and Calvin in Geneva
Farel settled in Geneva in 1532. He became a minister there. It was Farel who convinced John Calvin to come to Geneva.
However, Farel and Calvin later disagreed about the Eucharist (Communion). This led to a brief time when Farel was banished. But the government of Bern allowed him to preach again.
Banishment and Return
The struggles continued in Geneva. In 1538, Farel and Calvin were both banished from the city. This was partly because of their strict views.
Farel then moved to Neuchâtel. He spent the rest of his life there. Calvin often asked Farel for advice, showing their continued friendship.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1558, when Farel was 69, he married Marie Thorel. She was a teenager at the time. John Calvin was surprised by this marriage.
Farel continued his work until his final year. After Calvin's death, Farel visited Metz. He preached there with great energy, but this effort seemed to exhaust him. William Farel died in Metz in 1565.
A statue honoring Farel was put up in Neuchâtel on May 4, 1876. He is remembered as a brave and important leader of the Protestant Reformation.
Images for kids
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Statue of Farel in Neuchâtel
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The Reformation Wall in Geneva. From left: Farel, John Calvin, Theodore Beza, and John Knox
See also
In Spanish: Guillaume Farel para niños
