Chelczizky, Peter

Chelczizky, Peter, one of the most important writers of the Hussite period, who died about 1460, is known by his writings, in which he advocated the free exercise of religion. He rejected every civic as well as ecclesiastical authority, and denounced war and capital punishment as in opposition to true Christianity.

After the-defeat of the Taborites his doctrines found many adherents, and formed, in 1453, the basis of the Kunwalder Union, from which resulted the Bohemian Brethren. See F. Schulz, Peter. Chelcicky (.Prague, 18825; Goll, Quellen und Untersuchungen zur Geschichte deri Bohmischen Br- ider; Peter Chelczizky und -seine Lehre (ibid. eod.). (B.-P.)