451
Council of Chalcedon concludes
The Fourth Ecumenical Council, which began in October 451, concluded on May 26. It defined the two natures of Christ, divine and human, in one person, and issued the Chalcedonian Definition.
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All Events
604
Death of Augustine of Canterbury
Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury and the apostle to the Anglo-Saxons, died on this date. He had been sent by Pope Gregory the Great to evangelize England and established the see at Canterbury.
735
Death of the Venerable Bede
Bede, the English monk and historian, died on this day. He is known for his 'Ecclesiastical History of the English People' and was later declared a Doctor of the Church.
1521
Edict of Worms issued against Martin Luther
Following the Diet of Worms, Emperor Charles V issued the Edict of Worms on this date, declaring Martin Luther an outlaw and heretic, and banning his writings. This formalized Luther's excommunication and sparked the Protestant Reformation.
1566
Birth of James Ussher
James Ussher, the Irish Anglican archbishop and scholar, was born on this date. He is famous for his chronology that dated creation to 4004 BC, which influenced later biblical interpretation.
1648
Birth of John Howe
John Howe, an influential English Puritan theologian and preacher, was born on this date. He served as chaplain to Oliver Cromwell and wrote extensively on Christian spirituality.
1840
Birth of Mary Slessor
Mary Slessor, a Scottish Presbyterian missionary to Nigeria, was born on this date. She is remembered for her work in Calabar, where she fought against infanticide and promoted women's rights.
1854
Birth of John Wanamaker
John Wanamaker, a prominent American businessman and Sunday school pioneer, was born on this date. He founded the first department store and was a leading lay leader in the Presbyterian Church.
1902
Birth of John B. Watson
John B. Watson, an American psychologist, was born on this date. Though not a religious figure, his behaviorist theories influenced later Christian counseling and educational methods.
1920
Birth of Peggy Lee
Peggy Lee, an American jazz singer and songwriter, was born on this date. She recorded the spiritual 'He's Got the Whole World in His Hands' and other gospel-influenced songs.