On February 23, 1807, after nearly two decades of setbacks, speeches, defeats, and renewed efforts, the British House of Commons voted overwhelmingly to abolish Great Britain’s slave trade. Members rose to cheer as William Wilberforce—exhausted and overcome with emotion—sat, with tears streaming down his face. This was a political victory, for sure; however, its roots…
The Nativity of John the Baptist: A Rookie Anglican Guide
John the Baptist, in his wonderful birth, stands as an icon of life. In fact, the Church liturgically remembers the earthly birth—rather than death—of only three people: the Virgin Mary, Our Lord himself, and John.
St. Dunstan: Archbishop with a Monastic Heart
Amid the turbulence of the 10th century in England, a humble monk rose up to reform and reshape the English Church, eventually even becoming Archbishop of Canterbury. St. Dunstan’s life illustrates a truth seen throughout Christian history: periods of renewal often begin in prayer, discipline, and holiness. Only then can they reshape institutions or kingdoms….
St. Joseph and the Virtues of Silence
Saint Joseph was the head of the holy family and an indispensable figure in sacred history. Yet one of the most striking qualities of Joseph in the gospels is his silence.
Why Was St. Gregory So Great?
Who is St. Gregory, what makes him so great, and why do Christians, specifically Anglicans, celebrate him 1,400 years after his death?
Cædmon of Whitby and the Hymn of Creation
Cædmon is a quiet saint whose voice still echoes across the centuries, not because he sought his own fame but because he listened to God’s call. In the late seventh century A.D., he lived at Whitby Abbey in Northumbria (now northeastern England), a vibrant monastic community for men and women founded by the abbess Hilda….
An Anglican Appreciation for Aquinas
Thomas Aquinas was a Dominican friar, priest, philosopher, and above all, a theologian. He is best known for his massive work, the Summa Theologiae, which summarizes the main tenets of the Christian faith.
Book Review: Paul, Apostle of Grace by Frank Thielman
Frank Thielman’s Paul, Apostle of Grace begins with a welcome note of scholarly humility. Acknowledging the difficulty of reconstructing the life of one of Christianity’s most influential figures, Thielman makes clear that his aim is not to offer an exhaustive biography but rather a historically responsible portrait.
St. Hilda of Whitby and the Ministry of Unity
In an era of polarization, even within the Church, it’s often hard to find leaders who attempt—let alone succeed—in bringing Christians together for the sake of the gospel. St. Hilda of Whitby stands among the most significant luminous figures of the early English Church—wise, steady, and quietly formidable. Centuries before the Reformation, when English Christianity…
Icons Over Idols: Heroes in an Age of Disillusionment
There is an overwhelming lack of trust in leadership and institutions, including religious leaders, in our day. I’ve had young men approach me privately within my parish, lamenting that they believe they cannot trust the actions or teachings of any religious leader or denomination. A perceived absence of trustworthy shepherds—dare I say heroes—plagues the Christian…
Today in the Spirit: All Saints’ Sunday
All Saints’ Day, celebrated on 1 November every year, is the only “Principal Feast” in the Christian Year which can also be observed on the Sunday following that date. It is a commemoration of the intercommunion of living and dead Christians throughout time, those renowned and unknown. Traditionally, the Gospel reading assigned for All Saints’…
Hymn Guide: For All The Saints
Long before I thought about its lyrics, I loved to sing “For All the Saints.” The marching rhythm, the majestic tune, the repeated Alleluias: these would stir in my heart and inspire devotion to God. How wonderful, then, to discover that the hymn is also deeply theological, offering a profound reflection on the meaning of…
