Bethlehem Chapel marks Jan Hus anniversary

A service at Prague’s Bethlehem Chapel has marked the 611th anniversary of the death of church reformer Jan Hus, who preached there before being burned at the stake in Constance in 1415. Church leaders called for reconciliation in a divided society, peace between nations and support for victims of violence and abuse. Patriarch Tomáš Butta quoted Hus’s words that “harmony is better than victory”, while Ecumenical Council chairman Pavel Pokorný warned against dehumanising opponents in public debate. Hus’s execution inspired the Hussite movement, and July 6 is a national public holiday in Czechia.