Felix Manz

Felix Manz was a brilliant young scholar in Zurich, Switzerland, who became a star student of the famous reformer Ulrich Zwingli. However, Felix soon realized he wanted to take their reforms much further. By reading the New Testament in its original languages, he became convinced that the church should be completely separate from the government. He also believed that baptism should be a personal choice made by adults, not something forced onto babies by the state to keep track of citizens.

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Despite the extreme danger of going against the government, Felix and a small group of friends met secretly in his mother's living room on a snowy night in January 1525. They prayed and bravely baptized each other as adults, sparking a radical new movement called the "Anabaptists" (which means "re-baptizers"). Because of this illegal act, Felix became a wanted man. He was arrested multiple times but refused to quit, even pulling off an incredible escape from a tower prison just to go right back out and preach in the forests and fields!

Eventually, the authorities caught him for the last time and cruelly sentenced him to be drowned in the icy Limmat River. As he was led out to a boat on the water, his brave mother walked along the riverbank, shouting for him to stay strong and hold onto his faith. Felix Manz became the very first Anabaptist martyr, passing away with a song of praise on his lips. His incredible courage left a lasting legacy that helped pave the way for the freedom of religion we enjoy today.