I recently went to the Beer Festival in Stowmarket Museum of Food. There was a whole array of different beers, (wine, spirits and soft drinks as well). One of the beers I tasted was Heresy produced by Bishop Nick brewery. It got me to wondering what was the heresy committed by this clergyman.
You will not be surprised to know that it all dates back to Henry VIII and the Reformation.
Henry VIII had died and his young son was on the throne. It soon became apparent, however, that Edward was dying from tuberculosis, and the question of succession became an urgent matter. There were three contenders -Mary, daughter of Catherine of Aragon and a catholic, Elizabeth, daughter of Ann Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey, the cousin of Edward, and great- niece of Henry VIII.
Edward signed the papers declaring Lady Jane Grey as his successor, and Nicholas Ridley preached a sermon on St Paul’s cathedral declaring that both Catherine and Elizabeth were illegitimate and therefore had no claim on the throne.
Over the following weeks there was increasing revolt in Mary’s favour and the Privy Council turned against Lady Jane. Nicholas Ridley, and Jane’s father the Duke of Suffolk were imprisoned in the tower and burned at the stake.
In due course Nicholas Ridley, along with Bishop Hugh Latimer and Thomas Cranmer were all seen as the Oxford martyrs as they had supported the Church of England against the Catholic Church.
Thank goodness we do not live in such turbulent times, when the thirst for power causes death and destruction. (Although you might argue we do live in turbulent times).
As Christians, we have the assurance of One God, One Sovereign Lord, who rules with humility and grace.
Prayer: Sovereign Lord, you are the beginning and the end, you are the King of all kings. Forgive us when we put our own agenda first, when we speak against your Word. Thank you that when we come to you, and bring our wrongdoings to you, your forgiveness is freely given. AMEN