Faith Through the Ages - Today in Religious History
The second ecumenical council, convened by Emperor Theodosius I, reaffirmed the Nicene Creed and expanded it with the clauses on the Holy Spirit. It condemned Apollinarianism and affirmed the full divinity of the Holy Spirit.
This council, convened by Pope Adrian II and Emperor Basil I, addressed the Photian schism and deposed Photius as patriarch of Constantinople. It affirmed the primacy of the pope and condemned the acts of the earlier council of 867.
Pope Gregory IX canonized Dominic de Guzmán, founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), on this date. Dominic was recognized for his preaching against heresy and his establishment of a mendicant order dedicated to study and evangelization.
The Council of Florence, in its session with Coptic delegates, issued the decree 'Cantate Domino' which sought reunion with the Coptic Church. It affirmed the doctrines of the Trinity, the two natures of Christ, and the seven sacraments, though the reunion was short-lived.
John Colet, an English humanist and theologian, died on this day. He was a prominent advocate for reform within the Church and founder of St. Paul's School in London, influencing later reformers like Erasmus and Thomas More.
The papal bull 'Regimini militantis Ecclesiae' officially approved the Jesuit order, founded by Ignatius of Loyola. The Society of Jesus became a leading force in the Counter-Reformation and global missions.
Though not a religious leader, John Howard, born this day, was a devout Christian whose prison reforms were inspired by his faith. His work led to the Penitentiary Act of 1779 in England.
The American Bible Society was founded in New York City on this date, with the goal of distributing Bibles without note or comment. It became a major force in Protestant Bible translation and distribution worldwide.
John Henry Newman, a leading Anglican theologian who converted to Catholicism, was born on this day. He was later made a cardinal and canonized as a saint in 2019.
The hymn, with lyrics by Sabine Baring-Gould and music by Arthur Sullivan, was first performed at a Sunday school festival in Yorkshire, England. It became a popular processional hymn in many Christian denominations.
William Booth, Methodist preacher and founder of the Salvation Army, died on this day. His evangelical and social work established a global Christian organization dedicated to the poor.
In a papal bull, Pope Francis proclaimed the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, to begin December 8, 2015. The year emphasized God's mercy and forgiveness, with special opportunities for indulgences and acts of charity.