An example of Schwenkfelder persecution - the Viehweg in Harpersdorf Artwork

Centrally Speaking

“Centrally Speaking” is a podcast from the Central Schwenkfelder Church and speaks about issues that would be of interest to our society. In particular it addresses how a Christian worldview intersects with western secular culture. In the spirit of the church's founder, we take the perspective of "the Middle Way," which is in agreement with the historic Christian church.

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Centrally Speaking

An example of Schwenkfelder persecution - the Viehweg in Harpersdorf

July 16, 2026 • Ministerial Staff at Central Schwenkfelder Church • Season 7 • Episode 12

0:00 | 25:04

The Schwenkfelders are a persecuted group from the time of the Reformation. They originated from Harpersdorf in Silesia during the 1500's. Because of their viewpoints on the sacraments, they were ostracized by the Jesuits and the Lutherans. One example of their persecution is found in their burial place at the Viehweg in the 1700's. This led to their migration from Silesia to Herrnhut and eventually on to Haarlem, the Netherlands and then to Pennsylvania. In this podcast, Drake Williams, Jr., Vice-Moderator of the Schwenkfelder Conference presents on the Viehweg as a sign of Schwenkfelder persecution.

#Viehweg #Schwenkfelders #ChristianPersecutionReformation #Harpersdorf #SilesiaReformation

Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org