News
When the Church Made History This Week
Faith Facts
- The Church of England voted to allow female bishops this week in 2014, marking a controversial shift in Anglican tradition
- Medieval priest John Ball, who led the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, was executed for his radical teachings mixing faith and social upheaval
- John III became pope in 561 A.D., leading the early church during a time of Byzantine influence in Rome
Throughout the centuries, the middle of July has witnessed pivotal moments that shaped Christian history. From ancient papal appointments to modern debates over church governance, these events continue to resonate with believers today.
On July 14, 2014, the Church of England’s General Synod voted to allow women to serve as bishops, ending years of intense theological debate. The measure passed with support from all three houses of the synod—bishops, clergy, and laity—though not without significant opposition from traditionalists who argued the move departed from biblical precedent and historic church practice.
The decision represented a major departure from centuries of Anglican tradition and sparked ongoing concerns among conservative Christians about the authority of Scripture in determining church leadership. Many traditional believers continue to view the ordination of women to the episcopate as inconsistent with the complementarian understanding of biblical gender roles.
Centuries earlier, on July 15, 1381, English priest John Ball was executed for his role in the Peasants’ Revolt. Ball had become notorious for preaching sermons that mixed Christian teaching with radical egalitarian politics, including his famous question: “When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?”
While Ball invoked Scripture to challenge social inequalities, his methods and message became increasingly revolutionary. His execution served as a warning against using the pulpit to incite civil unrest, a tension that has echoed through Christian history between prophetic witness and political rebellion.
Much further back, on July 17, 561, John III was consecrated as Bishop of Rome, becoming pope during the tumultuous period of Byzantine control over Italy. His seventeen-year papacy was marked by navigating the complex relationship between the church and imperial power.
John III’s tenure reminds modern believers that the church has always faced the challenge of maintaining spiritual independence while engaging with earthly authorities. His leadership during uncertain times offers lessons for Christians today who seek to remain faithful amid political and cultural pressure.
These historical moments—separated by centuries but united in their significance—demonstrate how the church continues to wrestle with questions of authority, tradition, and faithfulness. For Christian conservatives, they underscore the importance of grounding decisions in Scripture rather than contemporary cultural trends.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Pastor Adam Hamilton is running for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat in Kansas.
- Hamilton stated that Christians do not need to believe in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ.
- The virgin birth is a foundational doctrine affirmed in Scripture and upheld by the historic Christian church.
Former pastor and current Democrat Senate candidate Adam Hamilton is drawing criticism after a video interview surfaced in which he stated that belief in the virgin birth of Jesus is not required for Christians.
The remarks challenge the clear teaching of Scripture and the longstanding confessions of the Christian faith that affirm the miraculous conception of Christ by the Holy Spirit.
“Christians don’t have to believe in the virgin birth of Jesus,” Hamilton said during the interview.
Conservative believers across Kansas and the nation are expressing concern that a candidate who once served as a pastor would publicly question such a core biblical truth while seeking elected office.
Scripture is unambiguous on this matter, declaring in Isaiah 7:14 that “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,” and in Matthew 1:23 that this prophecy was fulfilled in Mary.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- The Virginia Supreme Court declined to halt a lawsuit brought by longtime members of McLean Bible Church over the 2021 elder election.
- Church leaders sought to dismiss the case, arguing that civil courts lack authority over internal church governance.
- The decision allows the plaintiffs to continue their legal challenge regarding transparency and adherence to church bylaws.
The Virginia Supreme Court has refused to end a lawsuit filed by longtime members of McLean Bible Church concerning the 2021 elder election and related governance issues.
The justices denied the church’s appeal, allowing the case to proceed in lower courts.
“We are disappointed that the Court declined to hear our appeal,” said a spokesperson for McLean Bible Church in a prepared statement. “We remain confident in our position and committed to defending the autonomy of local church governance.”
The lawsuit, brought by members who joined the congregation years earlier, questions whether the 2021 elder selection process followed the church’s own bylaws and whether proper notice and voting procedures were observed.
Legal observers note that Virginia courts have historically been reluctant to intervene in purely ecclesiastical matters, yet they will sometimes examine whether organizations have followed their own established rules.
“This ruling does not decide the merits of the case,” the court’s order stated. “It simply recognizes that the plaintiffs have stated a claim that may proceed under Virginia law.”
Church leaders maintain that the elder election was conducted lawfully and with appropriate congregational input.
Critics within the congregation argue that changes in leadership direction have shifted the church away from its historic doctrinal stance.
“Our concern has always been about fidelity to Scripture and to the church’s founding documents,” one plaintiff said in an earlier interview. “We simply want the process to be fair and transparent.”
The case now returns to the trial court, where both sides will continue to present arguments over governance and membership rights.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- The Episcopal Church has listed its twelve-story headquarters in midtown Manhattan for sale after four months of seeking a buyer.
- The building is valued at nearly fifty-two million dollars, according to church leaders.
- Proceeds from any sale will support the denomination’s mission and ministry work nationwide.
The Episcopal Church has identified a prospective buyer for its midtown Manhattan headquarters just four months after announcing plans to sell the twelve-story property. Church leaders report the building carries an estimated value of nearly fifty-two million dollars.
The decision to divest reflects a broader effort by the denomination to align its physical assets with current ministry priorities and stewardship responsibilities. Church officials have emphasized that any proceeds would be reinvested in gospel outreach and service initiatives across the country.
Real-estate experts note that the Manhattan commercial market remains competitive, particularly for well-located institutional properties. The headquarters’ central position continues to draw interest from both nonprofit and commercial entities exploring long-term space solutions.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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