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THREE MARTYRS -- AN EXAMPLE OF
FAITH FOR OUR TIMES

By The Rev'd. Canon Grant S. Carey
Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento, California

One of the most moving sights in Oxford is the monument to the three bishops who were martyred there in 1555: Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley, and Thomas Cramner, Archbishop of Canterbury. All were burned at the stake for heresy during the reign of Queen, Mary Tutor, known to us today as "Bloody Mary."

One might well ask what was their heresy, and why was their execution so brutal?

Their heresy was proclaiming freedom of religion in England, affirming the Book of Common Prayer and teaching the reformed faith.

Of course, there is more to it that that. There was most certainly the fear that the ruling party might lose control in those very unstable times. Yet there was the desire on the many of may to return once again to the security and security of the old ways, the old religion, the old rituals and ceremonies. These three bishops, Latimer, Ridley, and Cranmer, had become symbols of reformation and change, - - and so they were made examples of what would befall any who dared to oppose the Crown and the restored Roman Catholic relationship.

Those were terrible days -- but, alas, that happened then has been repeated again and again . even to the present time .

Latimer, Ridley and Crammer were men of high principles who believed strongly in the principles of reformation, and were willing to die for their faith. They were certainly not perfect. History shows us that when they themselves had power, they did not always use it compassionately and in some instances, they were themselves prejudiced and dogmatic - - but they did accomplish what they set out to do, and that was to reform the Church, to wake it up, and to effect change their genuine passion for the truth of the Gospel.

It is said that, when tied together to the stake, Bishop Latimer, former Bishop of London, told his fellow martyr:" "Take courage, Master Ridley,. Today we shall light such a fire in England as shall never be extinguished."

Of the three whom we remember, the one that I most respect is Thomas Crammer - - a brilliant theologian and able statesman who crafted the Book of Common Prayer, and who, as Archbishop of Canterbury, led the Church of England from the control of foreign bishops while preserving its historic roots as a viable part of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

And so, remembering these three martyrs - - men who under tremendous pressure, refused to compromise their beliefs - - we give thanks for all who dare to stand up for what they know to be true and just. For without them and their witness, we and our world would be the less.

Surely, the work of these three martyrs survives today, not only within our the Anglican Communion, but wherever people express their freedom of belief and conscience. (Their special day was celebrated at the Cathedral on October 16th)