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Thomas aBecket
Speaking the Truth in Love

Trinity Cathedral
The Rev. Dr. Grant S. Carey
Canon Residentiary

Americans have strong feelings about the separation of Church and State.  This being said, it may be surprising that what the framers of our Constitution were fearful of the State’s having control of the Church, not the other way around.

A case in point concerns Thomas a Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was assassinated in the year 1170.

Thomas was a friend and companion of King Henry II who appointed him Chancellor of England.  Unswervingly supportive, he carried out his duties with unquestioning loyalty until he became Archbishop of Canterbury; Thomas then realized that his old friend sought to use the Church for his personal advantage. 

The struggle between the two became so bitter that Becket found refuge in France.  When he returned six years later, the King reportedly asked:  “Who will rid me of the turbulent priest.”

Four of the king’s men murdered the Archbishop as he prayed before the altar. Before they struck the fatal blows, Becket said: “Willingly I die for the Name of Jesus and in the defense of the Church.”

The saints of the Church have singular qualities that impel them to become examples of Christian commitment.  For some it is courage and tenacity, and for others, simplicity of life or an ability to lead.  For Thomas, it was principle in the face of pressure that won the day.

Times may have changed, but people and circumstances have not.  May we hold fast to what is at the core of the baptismal promises we have taken for ourselves, - - to seek with all our heart to believe what is true about God and our neighbor,   to stand firm against what is evil, and, with God’s help, to do what is right, “striving for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being.”