Magic Statistics

Two leaders of the English Reformation were burned at the stake in Oxford on 16 October, 1555—exactly 450 years ago. Nicholas Ridley, Bishop of London, and Hugh Latimer, Bishop of Worcester, were removed from their positions and imprisoned after Queen Mary ascended to the throne in 1553. Mary began an intense campaign to return England to Roman Catholicism, in the course of which hundreds of men and women were burned for espousing Protestantism. These executions turned the people against her and Catholicism and earned her the nickname Bloody Mary.

As Ridley was being tied to the stake on 16 October 1555, he prayed: "Oh, heavenly Father, I give unto thee most hearty thanks that thou hast called me to be a professor of thee, even unto death. I beseech thee, Lord God, have mercy on this realm of England, and deliver it from all her enemies."

As the flames rose, Latimer encouraged Ridley with these famous words: "Be of good comfort, Mr. Ridley, and play the man! We shall this day light such a candle by God's grace, in England, as I trust never shall be put out."

Further information can be found at the Christian History Institute.

I know weird Anglican sounds like an oxymoron, but not so! Rich Anglican Fudge (with Nuts), which bills itself as "The most self-important Anglican blog. Ever. Even more self-important than Virtue!", has the latest in Anglican weirdness. Here are the headlines:

• David Virtue: Archbishop Peter Akinola stockpiling nuclear weapons for Canterbury Offensive
• Sydney Anglicans Hold Seance to Reach Spirits of Dead Baptists

Check it out.

This graphic, found at RAFwN, links to a very weird Anglican site.

UPDATE: Rich Anglican Fudge (with Nuts) has a new address. 

The collect for today, the 21st Sunday after Trinity, from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer:

Grant, we beseech thee, merciful Lord, to thy faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve thee with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.