William Farel

William Farel was a French Reformer and preacher who played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland. He is best known for his association with John Calvin in advocating and establishing Reformed Christianity in Geneva. His passionate preaching, combative temperament, and uncompromising dedication to reform helped to further Protestantism during an era of religious upheaval.

William Farel was born in 1489 in Gap, a small town in southeastern France. He grew up in a Catholic family and was provided with a religious education and upbringing, influenced to a large extent by humanist teachings. Farel went to the University of Paris, where he came under the influence of the writings of Erasmus and developed an interest in the reform movement challenging the practices and teachings of the Catholic Church. Farel's embrace of Protestant teaching led him to reject many of the Catholic traditions, such as saints' worship and the authority of the pope. Farel's fiery temperament soon earned him the status of a persecuted person in France. Farel fled to Switzerland, where he began working as a Reformer. Farel preached in a number of Swiss cities, including Basel and Neuchâtel, where he spread the Protestant movement. Farel was an ardent and contentious preacher, and his methods won him converts as well as enemies. Due to Farel's efforts, a number of cities left Catholicism and adopted Reformed Christian practices.

Farel arrived in Geneva in 1536 and helped the city to implement Protestant reforms. Farel persuaded John Calvin, who was passing through the city, to stay and help in the work. Farel allegedly threatened Calvin with God's wrath if he did not stay and help the Reformation. Farel and Calvin jointly laid the groundwork for Geneva to become a leading center of Reformed Christianity.

After Calvin had established himself as the dominant figure in Geneva, Farel traveled to Neuchâtel, where he preached and spread the Reformed faith. Farel continued to be devoted to his cause until his death in 1565. William Farel is remembered as one of the most passionate and determined of the Protestant Reformation leaders. His partnership with Calvin and his tireless efforts in promoting religious reform helped shape the path of the growth of Reformed Christianity on the European mainland.