| Thomas More &
John Fisher (July 6th) are commemorated together by the Church of England on
July 6 because of their heroic but shocking martyrdom under Henry VIII in 1535.
John Fisher was
chancellor of Cambridge University and Bishop of Rochester. Internationally
respected as a scholar, his theological works were influential at the highest
levels. He was such a famous preacher that he was chosen to preach at the
funeral of Henry VII. Though conservative and actively opposed to me Protestant
Reformation, he was nonetheless committed to Church reform but felt the reforms
must be made within the Church, not against it. Thomas More is the most famous
victim of Henry VIII's persecution of Roman Catholics who refused to accept his
break with Papal authority.
As a young man, he seriously
considered taking Holy Orders, but decided on marriage and a career in law. He
remained devoutly religious; throughout his life he spent all day Friday in
prayer, and he kept a stem ascetic discipline. He gained a glowing reputation
for intelligence, integrity, and loyalty, which brought him to the King's
attention. Henry befriended him and appointed him to a series of high public
offices, finally as Lord Chancellor. He resigned mat office in 1532, as Henry's
intentions regarding the Church became clear. In 1534 Fisher and More were
arrested on charges of treason because they would not accept the King's
jurisdiction over the English Church. Their trials were a sham, but they were
sentenced to death. Both made it clear that they were dying for the faith of me
Church. Fisher was beheaded on June 22 and More on July 6. More's last words
were that he dies "the King's good servant, but God's first." |
