33 |
Jesus Christ, crucified and resurrected, commissions his followers to "make disciples of all nations." The Holy Spirit descends upon the Apostles at Pentecost. |
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100 |
Before the end of the first century, Christianity is brought by missionaries to the island of Britain. Christianity is widely accepted by both the native (Celtic) popluation and the Roman colonists. |
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313
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Christianity is legalized in the Roman Empire by Constantine, the first emperor born in Britain. At this time, there are several Christian bishops in Britain, including bishops of London and York. |
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433 |
Patrick, born in Britain, the son of a deacon, arrives in Ireland as a missionary bishop. The invasion of Britain by pagan Anglo-Saxons begins about 449. By 476, the last Roman legions are withdrawn from Britain; and the Anglo-Saxon conquest intensifies. British Christians are driven to the western fringes of the island, including Wales.. In 545 Dewi (David) is consecrated at Jerusalem to become first Archbishop of Wales. |
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597 |
Augustine, a missionary bishop from Italy, arrives in Kent (southeastern England). In 635, Aidan, a missionary bishop from Ireland, arrives in Northumbria (northern England). Christianity spreads rapidly among the English throughout the seventh century. In 664, a synod at Whitby decides that all England will follow continental European (not Irish) Church customs. |
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669 |
Theodore of Tarsus becomes Archbishop of Canterbury; he soon unites the Church of England. Archbishop Theodore reorganizes the dioceses, revitalizes clerical education, and convenes regular synods. |
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1215 |
Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury, and the barons force King John to sign Magna Carta. Magna Carta decrees that Church of England shall be forever free. |
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1534 |
Church of England rejects the jurisdiction of the Roman pontiff and becomes autonomous. In 1539, the Great Bible, the first official English translation of the Holy Scriptures, is published; the "Authorized" or "King James" Version will follow in 1611 In 1549, the first Book of Common Prayer is adopted, using a "tongue understanded of the people." |
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1609 |
Settlers at Jamestown, Virginia, bring Anglicanism to America. Outside of New England, Anglicanism is the predominant religion of the colonies founded in the seventeenth century. In Britain and Ireland, theology flourishes in the seventeenth century under the leadership of the "Caroline Divines." In 1662, the English Book of Common Prayer is published in the form still used today. |
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1784
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The first American bishop, Samuel Seabury, is consecrated in Scotland following Independence. Three other Americans are consecrated in England in the years immediately following. In 1789, the first American edition of the Book of Common Prayer is adopted. In 1792, Thomas Claggett of Maryland is the first bishop to be consecrated in America. |
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1833 |
John Keble preaches his Assizes sermon on "National Apostasy," launching the Oxford Movement. In 1867, the first Lambeth Conference brings together Anglican bishops from throughout the world. In 1898, the American Book of Common Prayer is revised; it will be revised again in 1928. |
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1977 |
The Diocese of the Holy Trinity is inaugurated at Los Angeles. In the same year, the Congress of Saint Louis affirms need for a continuing Anglican Church in North America. In 1978, the first four bishops of the continuing Anglican Church are consecrated at Denver. In 1979, five continuing Church dioceses unite to form the Anglican Catholic Church. |
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