„Jako by mogli być wychowywani młodzieńcy, z których by potem byli słudzy Kościoła Bożego”. O wychowaniu w domach ministrów i ordynowaniu na synodach Jednoty Braci Czeskich w Wielkopolsce

Abstract

“How to Educate Youth so that They will later become Servants of the Church of God”. Referring to Education in the Homes of Ministers and the Ordained in the Synods of The Unity of the Brethren in Greater Poland

The article discusses the preparation of the clergy of The Unity of the Brethren in Greater Poland. The best way of education was considered to be the tuition of boys in the homes of ministers and high ranking citizens. It was regarded as far more important than a school education. This method was recommended, with regard to the customs in force in the country, by the elders of the Brethren, who took adolescents into their homes to educate them. The ways in which to shape the future clergy was advised by the synods. Guidance in this area was developed by Szymon Turnowski, who adapted Jan Blahoslava’s tractate to Polish conditions. Acolytes, deacons and ministers were also ordained at the synods. The academic requirements for the clergy were high and for this reason, despite their own interventions, the sect was often lacking in ministers. The struggle of educating the clergy was one of the most serious problems faced by the Brethren.