Grossmünster and the Reformation

Statue of the reformer Zwingli and the rear of the Wasserkirche in ZürichThe sobriety of Grossmünsters interior is a consequence of Zwinglis' reforms of 1519. Anything worldly or which was not sanctioned by the Bible was removed and destroyed. Pictures, alters, sculptures and even the organ were removed. The reforms of Zwingli were to usher in a period during which intensive study of scripture was to be the focus of the religious community. Intensive study of the Scripture and reform were necessary if one was to live according to the Gospels.

During the first disputation in 1523, Zwingli established that it was the duty of the government to control public worship and religous observances and that only preaching compatible with the Bible was to be tolerated. During the Reformation period, Grossmünster remained at the centre of events in Switzerland. Decorations from the church were destroyed in an Iconoclasm and the church is, without a doubt, "physically" poorer for this "reform."

After Zwinglis death, Heinrich Bullinger was elected pastor of Grossmünster. In contrast to the impulsive Zwingli, Bullinger was more prudent. Like Zwingli, Bullinger believed that the Church was not a hierachical orgnaisation but a meeting place for equals to worship God. In 1555, under Bullingers influence, persecuted Reformed Christians from Ticino were allowed into Zürich.

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Map of Grossmünster in Zürich


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