On Tuesday, 18 June I gave this short message to the delegates at a seminar in Geneva on alleviating poverty. They are in government and business mostly, and are seeing to learn how to influence the writing of good laws for their nations. Why Now? My walking tour of the history of Geneva is on YouTube in 7 episodes.
Geneva, nestled at the foot of the Alps at the crossroads of several major traveling routes, has been a center of influence since before the Roman Empire, trading both goods and ideas throughout Europe. Today, this small city is actually the diplomatic capital of the world, as 70 per cent of the work of the United Nations is done there, and powerful organizations such as the World Trade Organization have their headquarters there.
Its story is a rich tapestry of all the elements of a blockbuster movie: violence, corruption, intrigue and courage in the face of great risk and injustice. In Geneva we can learn important lessons on the process of discipling a nation, as well as vital warnings of what happens the church fails in its mandate. During the Middle Ages, Geneva was a wild town. The streets teemed with crowds, as people from the all over Europe passed through on their way to France, Italy, Germany, or Austria.
With more inns per capita than any other city of its time, the city was full of partying traders, petty criminals, political refugees, spies, and sailors from Lake Geneva. Drunkenness was common, and the houses of prostitution did a good business.
The city trade fairs were particularly famous; during those events the town was wide open and filled with people. However, as the 16th century began, competition from France markedly reduced attendance at the fairs, and the walls of the city fell into disrepair.
