The Edict Of Torda aka The Edict of Turda And Contemporary Unitarian*Universalism aka U*Uism

Well, since today is indeed the 440th anniversary of the proclamation of the Edict Of Torda aka the Edict Of Turda by King John Sigismund of Hungary on February 28, 1568, I think that I will post an English translation of this early attempt to guarantee religious freedom with appropriate embedded links in order to see just how well it has stood the test of time, particularly with respect to how well contemporary Unitarian*Universalists uphold the letter and the spirit of its principles and ideals, or not. . .

His majesty, our Lord, in what manner he – together with his realm – legislated in the matter of religion at the previous Diets, in the same matter now, in this Diet, reaffirms that 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 superintendents or others shall abuse the preachers, no one shall be reviled for his religion by anyone, according to the previous statutes, and it is not permitted that anyone should threaten anyone else by imprisonment or by removal from his post for his teaching. For faith is the gift of God and this comes from hearing, which hearings is by the word of God.