This week in Christian history: Sudanese saint baptized; English archbishop beheaded

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, January 08, 2023

Baraka Parish church at Hajj Yusuf, on the outskirts of Khartoum, Sudan. | Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah

Throughout the extensive history of the Church, there have been numerous events of lasting significance.

Each week brings anniversaries of impressive milestones, unforgettable tragedies, amazing triumphs, memorable births and notable deaths.

Some of the events drawn from over 2,000 years of history might be familiar, while others might be previously unknown by most people.

The following pages highlight anniversaries of memorable events that occurred this week — Jan. 8-Jan. 14 — in Christian history. They include the baptism of a Sudanese saint, a major ecumenical church council, and the beheading of Canterbury Archbishop William Laud.