March 11: This day in World Christian History
March 11 has seen many important moments in Christianity, from the election of popes to the work of missionaries and acts of faith. It is also a day to remember the birth and passing of influential Christian leaders. This article highlights key events, notable birthdays, and significant deaths in Christian history on this day. Below are some of the most iconic events that happened on march 11
. 1965 – Death of Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe’s Mother, a Devout Christian
- On March 11, 1965, the mother of Nigeria’s first president, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, passed away. She was known for her strong Christian faith, which influenced her son’s early education and moral values.
222 AD – Death of Pope Callixtus I (Disputed Date)
- Some sources suggest that March 11 may have been the date of the martyrdom of Pope Callixtus I, though his death is traditionally commemorated in October. He was an early pope who played a significant role in shaping church practices, including penance and reconciliation.
1513 – Election of Pope Leo X
- Giovanni di Lorenzo de’ Medici was elected Pope Leo X. His papacy was marked by lavish spending, the sale of indulgences, and opposition to Martin Luther, which ultimately contributed to the Protestant Reformation.
1549 – First Book of Common Prayer Draughted
- Around this time, Thomas Cranmer was finalising the first Book of Common Prayer, which would be officially adopted later in the year. It laid the foundation for Anglican liturgy.
1812 – Death of John Ogilvie (Canonisation Process Continues)
- John Ogilvie, a Scottish Jesuit priest, was executed in 1615 for his Catholic faith under Protestant rule. Though his death anniversary is officially March 10, his influence on Christian martyrdom continued to be recognised, and he was canonised in 1976.
1872 – First Christian Missionary Conference in China
- On this date, Protestant missionaries gathered in China for a landmark conference to discuss evangelism strategies. This marked a significant moment in the spread of Christianity in East Asia.
. 1813 – Birth of David Livingstone (Scottish Missionary to Africa)
- While David Livingstone was born in Scotland, his missionary work in Africa had a profound impact. He spread Christianity, fought against the slave trade, and explored vast regions of the continent. His legacy influenced many African Christian movements.
. 1981 – Assassination Attempt on President Anwar Sadat of Egypt (Muslim-Christian Relations)
- On this date, an assassination attempt was made on Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, though he survived. Sadat had made efforts to improve Christian-Muslim relations in Egypt, including granting the Coptic Church more freedom. However, religious tensions continued.
. 2006 – Catholic Church in Uganda Condemns Corruption
- On March 11, 2006, the Catholic Church in Uganda publicly condemned widespread corruption in the government. The bishops issued a statement urging leaders to uphold Christian values of justice and integrity.
. 2019 – Ethiopian Airlines Crash and Global Christian Response
- A tragic Ethiopian Airlines crash on this date led to the deaths of 157 people. Many churches and Christian organisations around Africa and the world responded with prayers and humanitarian support for the victims’ families.
Notable Birthdays
. David Livingstone (1813) – Scottish Missionary to Africa
- Though not African, Livingstone played a crucial role in spreading Christianity in Africa. Born on March 11, 1813, in Scotland, he was a missionary, explorer, and anti-slavery advocate. His work in Southern and Central Africa laid the foundation for many Christian missions.
- Benson Idahosa (1938) – Nigerian Pentecostal Leader
- Archbishop Benson Idahosa, born March 11, 1938, is considered the father of Pentecostalism in Nigeria. He founded the Church of God Mission International and was known for his fiery preaching, healing ministry, and influence on modern African Christianity. His work led to the rise of many charismatic churches in Nigeria and beyond.
- Toribio de Benavente (1482) – A Spanish Franciscan missionary who played a crucial role in evangelising indigenous people in Mexico during the early 16th century.
- John Sergeant (1622) – An English Catholic priest and theologian known for his defence of Catholic doctrine during the Protestant Reformation in England.
- William Penn (1644) – While primarily known as the founder of Pennsylvania, he was also a prominent Quaker and advocate for religious freedom, shaping early American Christian ideals.
- Charles Sumner (1811) – Though primarily known as an abolitionist and U.S. senator, Sumner’s Christian faith influenced his passionate opposition to slavery and fight for human rights.
Notable Deaths
1. Joseph Kiwanuka (1966) – First African Catholic Bishop in Uganda
- Archbishop Joseph Kiwanuka, the first African bishop in Uganda, passed away around this period in 1966. He played a key role in strengthening the Catholic Church in Uganda and advocating for African leadership within the church.
2. Janani Luwum (1977) – Ugandan Archbishop Martyred Under Idi Amin
- Though officially killed on February 16, 1977, reports suggest March 11 was the day his body was found and publicly confirmed as dead. Janani Luwum was the Anglican Archbishop of Uganda and a vocal critic of Idi Amin’s brutal regime. He was martyred for his faith and is now honoured as a Christian hero.
Eulogius of Córdoba (859 AD) – A Spanish Christian priest and martyr who was executed for defending the Christian faith against Muslim rule in Al-Andalus (modern-day Spain). He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.
John Ogilvie (1615) – A Scottish Jesuit priest who was executed for practising and spreading Catholicism in Protestant Scotland. He was later canonised by Pope Paul VI in 1976.
Henry Drummond (1897) – A Scottish evangelist, writer, and scientist who was closely associated with the famous preacher Dwight L. Moody. His works on faith and science, such as Natural Law in the Spiritual World, were influential in Christian circles.
Archbishop William Temple (1944) – The Archbishop of Canterbury from 1942 to 1944, known for his theological insights and advocacy for social justice within Christianity.
See Also: March 5: Today In World Christian History
Content Credit| Ajibola Emmanuel .A
Picture Credit | https://www.koamnewsnow.com/
