This week in Christian history: Scottish Archbishop murdered, Donatists given toleration

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, April 30, 2023

Archbishop James Sharp murdered – May 3, 1679

James Sharp (1618-1679), last name sometimes spelled Sharpe, a Scottish clergyman who was Archbishop of St. Andrews until he was murdered by a group of Presbyterians. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when James Sharp, a Scottish archbishop and diplomat, was murdered by a group of radical Presbyterians opposed to his ecclesiastical views.

A native of Banff Castle, Sharp had been instrumental in securing the release of multiple Scottish nobles during the occupation of Scotland by Oliver Cromwell’s forces.

Sharp also played a part in restoring the monarchy to England and also the episcopacy system to Scotland, eventually being consecrated the Archbishop of St. Andrews in December 1660.

However, his efforts garnered him a fair number of enemies, and while his coach was at Magus Moor, a group led by John Balfour of Kinloch stopped him and murdered him in front of his daughter.

“Sharp was returning to St Andrews with his daughter when his coach was surrounded before they dragged him out, stabbed and shot to death,” noted Scottish History.

“The attackers were probably waiting for the Sheriff of Fife, but were happy to kill instead the man leading the forces suppressing the Covenant in Scotland. It sparked a wider uprising, leading to the ‘Killing Time.”’