[Event] The Path of Pragmatism

It cannot be denied that Europe is beginning to burn with the fires of reformation. Even the Pope has bowed to some reforms, while grand gestures by individuals such as the King of France fan the flames of unrest in the peasantry. The Swiss Confederacy, although not explicitly targeted thus far by any major reformers, has begun to feel the same heat.

The Swiss cantons have existed for centuries in uneasy half-rivalry with the local clergy, with whom they have often (successfully) squabbled over land and the loyalty of the locals. The Swiss churchmen themselves are notoriously decadent, living more closely to polygamy than celibacy and showering themselves in relative luxury while the poorer commoners suffer. While the status of the commoners in question has somewhat improved in recent years, the same anti-clergy sentiment still simmers slightly beneath the surface.

As such, it is no great surprise that reformist ideals have begun to catch on in the French-speaking and northern German-speaking cantons. Catholics still make up the vast majority, but it is clear that something must be done eventually to avoid a potential repeat of the Old Zurich war. The Tagsatzung itself is made up of a collection of individuals: some are hardline Catholics, some have begun to be swayed by reform, and most are conflicted or indifferent. It is the last of these groups that has managed to push forward a piece of policy that they hope will outline future interaction with further reforms.

It has been decreed that the Swiss Confederacy will remain as neutral as possible in regards to Christian religious adherence. While there are some caveats -- reformation preachers are not allowed to proselytize in the streets, for instance, and must do so from private dwellings -- it shall be the official Swiss policy not to persecute any individuals for heresy, so long as their dogma recognizes Jesus Christ as their lord and savior and the words of the Bible to be true.

Any religious violence or pogroms carried out by any side will be met with reprisal -- and if local governments are unable or unwilling to punish their rowdy masses, the standing Swiss army will do it themselves.

It is uncertain how this new policy will be received by the people.