This week in Christian history: ‘Like as the Hart’ written, Catholic Church abuse scandal, Anglican bishop born

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, January 03, 2021

James Ussher (1581-1656), an Anglican Church clergyman from Ireland who wrote up a biblical chronology that argued that the earth was created in 4004 BC. His work is still cited as authoritative by some in the modern Creationist movement. | Public Domain

Christianity is a faith with a long and extensive history, with numerous events of lasting significance occurring throughout the ages.

Each week brings the anniversaries of impressive milestones, unforgettable tragedies, amazing triumphs, births, deaths, and everything in between.

Some of the events drawn from over 2 millennia of history might be familiar, while other happenings might be previously unknown.

Here are three things that happened this week, Jan. 3-9, in Church history. They include the birth of an influential Anglican bishop, the composing of the famous choral piece “Like as the Hart Desireth the Waterbrooks,” and the beginning of the Catholic Church priest abuse scandal.