On the Trail of... On theTrail of Jakob Huter
The Hutterites are a religious community whose history is marked by persecution and flight, which led them to settle in North America. They owe their name to Jakob Huter, a preacher from Val Pusteria who lived in the 16th century during the time of the Peasants' Revolt and the Reformation. Anabaptists reject infant baptism because they are firmly convinced that everyone should be free to choose their own faith consciously. The story of Jakob Huter takes us to San Lorenzo di Sebato and Chiusa. Forced to flee persecution, he moved repeatedly until his death at the stake in Innsbruck. His story tells of a desire for justice and freedom that continues to burn even in the most difficult times, and it invites reflection on community, peace, and faithfulness to one's values. We are going to meet some descendants of his community.