Switzerland Emil Brunner, 1943 (b/w photo)

On 5 December 1943, Emil Brunner, the theologian and rector of the University of Zurich, gave a speech at the symposium of the universities of Zurich for Norwegian students at the University of Zurich. The motto of the speech was “All European universities, and indeed the universities of the whole world, are a spiritual unity, a community of destiny”. A truth, a spirit of seeking the truth, a commitment! What happens to a university happens to all of us. We are rightly expected to raise our voices in the name of freedom, against the attempt to degrade the spirit to a slave of power through violence. There are times when one must speak and not remain silent if the spirit of freedom itself is not to suffer harm and the conscience is not to be darkened.” He addressed the closing words to the Oslo students: “Your cause is our cause, your confession of freedom of spirit is our confession, God with you, brothers!