ABSTRACT
In striking contrast with the vast majority of European regions that embraced the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century, Geneva knew little the challenges of internal Christian pluralism that divided regions and necessitated increasing toleration through agreements such as the Peace of Augsburg and the Peace of Westphalia. The fact that Geneva was able to maintain this level of ecclesiastical importance among the generations after Calvin extending into the eighteenth century is certainly remarkable. Among Protestants, by the eighteenth century, not only was Geneva still considered the 'Mother Church', but its past and present importance was frequently stressed by depicting it as the counterpart to Rome. The decision to embrace Protestant pluralism in order to generate greater Protestant unity is best understood as a consequence of the Revocation. Genevan Protestant identity was shaped and enhanced through the religious life of the city and in opposition to Catholicism.
