Early Church Bishop Killed, First Female American Minister

Christianity is a faith with a long and detailed history, with numerous events of lasting significance occurring throughout the ages.

Each week brings the anniversaries of great milestones, horrid tragedies, amazing triumphs, telling tribulations, inspirational progress, and everything in between.

Here are just a couple of things that happened this week, Sept. 9-15, in Church history. They include the martyrdom of the early church Bishop Cyprian and the ordination of the first female American minister.

Bishop Cyprian Martyred – September 14, 258

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This week marks the anniversary of when Saint Cyprian, a notable early church theologian and bishop, was executed for his beliefs, becoming the first African bishop to be martyred.

A native of Carthage and born to wealthy pagan parents, Cyprian was originally a lawyer until his conversion to Christianity in 246. He became a martyr two years later.

Cyprian was arrested for his refusal to sacrifice to pagan gods and was executed during a period of persecution under the Roman Emperor Valerian.

“He refused to sacrifice, and added that in such a matter there was no room for…