Ah, a battle between an Archbishop of Canterbury and a king. That seems rather familiar. But the real question is, which island will emerge victorious in this matchup between William Laud and Kamehameha? England or Hawaii? Whoever it is, the winner will advance to face David Oakerhater in the next round.
Yesterday's battle between Thecla and John Keble led to some respectfully passionate debate in the comment section. In fact, we set a record for most comments in a first round pairing with over 300. Impressive! In the end, Thecla prevailed 58% to 42% meaning we'll be hearing more about those ravenous seals in the Saintly Sixteen when she squares off against Brendan the Navigator.
William Laud
William Laud was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1633–1640 and remains among the most controversial figures in the history of Anglicanism. Heralded by many as a martyr and condemned by others as a tyrant and bigot, Laud was among the most visible proponents of a uniquely English brand of anti-Calvinism in the seventeenth-century Church. As such, he was in near constant conflict with English Puritans of his day.
Even before his elevation to the See of Canterbury, Laud was somewhat of a liturgical and ecclesiastical innovator. During his term as dean of Gloucester, he caused great consternation (as so many priests throughout the ages have) by moving furniture. Laud moved the altar table in Gloucester to the east wall — the location typical of most altars before the Reformation. This move brought upon him the ire of his bishop and local Puritans, suspicious of a reintroduction of a Roman Catholic custom.
Laud’s movement of the altar was a liturgical manifestation of his theological persuasion that the Church of England followed in unbroken succession from the pre-Reformation Roman Catholic Church in England, although under the supreme governance of the king and the oversight of bishops. This belief led him to stridently impose liturgical uniformity throughout the church, seeking that all things be done “decently and in good order” in the “beauty of holiness.” His increased emphasis on the celebration of the sacraments was often viewed as contrary to Reformation doctrines of salvation through faith alone. An abortive attempt to impose The Book of Common Prayer on Scotland in 1637 marked the apex of his time as Archbishop of Canterbur y. By 1638 Scottish leaders pledged to resist the new prayer book and uphold Puritan practice by force, and by the end of the year, no bishops remained in Scotland.
Laud was sincere in his beliefs but dangerously out of touch with common persuasions in England of his time. His fierce defense of the Church’s privileges and prerogatives came at the same time as a growing sentiment against the divine right of kings, and his strident rule as Archbishop of Canterbury in favor of liturgical uniformity won him few friends. By 1641 he was impeached and carried away to theTower of London.
He was sentenced to death in 1645. At his execution, he said, “The Lord receive my soul, and have mercy upon me, and bless this kingdom with peace and charity, that there may not be this effusion of Christian blood amongst them.”
Collect for William Laud
Keep us, O Lord, constant in faith and zealous in witness, that, like your servant William Laud, we may live in your fear, die in your favor, and rest in your peace; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Kamehameha
On January 11, 1855 Hawaii crowned a new, young monarch — King Kamehameha IV.
With his wife Queen Emma, Kamehameha set forth to transform the Hawaiian islands by offering his people a new way, new healthcare methods, and a new faith — Christianity.
Kamehameha was born on February 9, 1834. As a young man, he toured the United States, Central America, and Europe, and he discovered Christianity — and Anglicanism in particular. He was taken with the liturgy and core beliefs of Anglicanism. In 1860 Kamehameha and Emma petitioned the Church of England to send Anglican missionaries to Hawaii. Three priests arrived on October 11, 1862. Kamehameha initiated one of his greatest contributions to his people — translating The Book of Common Prayer into the native language. He led his people as a practicing, dedicated Anglican and began a building campaign for a cathedral and a school.
A devastating smallpox epidemic in the Islands prompted Kamehameha and Emma to go into the communities and witness firsthand the devastation from leprosy, influenza, and other foreign diseases that were spreading through the native population. They embarked on a fundraising campaign to build a new hospital, and even today, their commitment to the health of their people is evident. Queen’s Hospital is named for Emma.
Kamehameha’s death on November 30, 1863, didn’t stop the work and ministry that was underway. Emma continued her husband’s dedication and charity by establishing more schools and churches and by tending to the sick and poor.
Although Kamehameha died a young man, the impacts of his Christian ideals and dedicated work on Hawaii are still witnessed today. Kamehameha and Emma are honored throughout Hawaii and are depicted in stained glass windows at St. Andrew’s, the church they helped found.
His feast day is celebrated in conjunction with his wife, Queen Emma, on November 28.
Collect for Kamehameha
O Sovereign God, who raised up Kamehameha and Emma to be rulers in Hawaii, and inspired and enabled them to be diligent in good works for the welfare of their people and the good of your Church: Receive our thanks for their witness to the Gospel; and grant that we, with them, may attain to the crown of glory that never fades away; through Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Vote!
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266 comments on “William Laud vs. Kamehameha”
Party foul. The write-up certainly showed some bias here. Unfair!
I agree. Laud has been in the bracket before, I wonder if his write up that time was as negative as this one?
In the interest of full disclosure, I voted for Kamehameha on a coin flip. After I voted though I went back and read their bios again and wish I had voted for Laud, he had a greater influence on the Church as a whole whereas Kamehameha's influence, though laudable, was isolated.
Tough choice today. My liturgical sense says Laud. My love for the dried pineapple from our local co-op steers me towards the king....
I was surprised to see Thecla win over Keble, when her fellow Mystics, Hadewijch (whom I voted for) and Theresa (whom I didn't) went down in defeat! Glad to see one of these strong women move forward!
As for Laud and Kamehameha, it seems the sentimental is winning out. The King is greatly honored in Hawaii but had little impact further afield. Laud's work was that one of great courage and had a lasting impact on the worldwide church! I have to stand with him and all the multitude of clergy who have "moved furniture"; and with those who have stood in the gap for the faith, as William did, against the tyrannical majority. Hooray for William Laud!
It appears Kamehameha is off to a very good lead. I'll have to follow the crowd. I'm sure the church is much in debt to Laud, but I am impressed by Kamehameha's dedication to simple goodness. It's all about love, isn't it?
I, too, applaud the unifying actions in love and faith of King Kamehameha. For me his example of bringing faith, healthcare and The well being of his people is preferable to the stiff unyielding tyrannical actions of a man who seems devoid of any sensitivity for others. Though Laud did do some good, and I too prefer some high church liturgies, I voted for the man who brought peace and unity, faith and health to his people.
I have had good results in the past from voting for people born in Hawaii that have funny names and give their people health care so I will do it again.
Brilliant, Jennifer!!! YES!
So have I, Jennifer. In fact I've voted that way twice. Well, today makes thrice. I was almost tempted to cast a pity-vote for Laud. He'd getting totally crushed. But those born-in Hawaii guys are so lovable. (Wonder if Kamehameha ever had to produce his birth certificate...)
From the first time I visited an Anglican church as a young adult, I've been drawn to worship "in the "beauty of holiness." But Laud is such an unappealing character in other ways that I must cast my vote for the king.
Laud sounds like an old Pharisee and Kamehameha sounds like he cared for all people.
Yes Barbara, I agree, unappealing is the perfect word for poor Laud. Doesn't stand a chance. I cast my vote for King K and dear Queen Emma.
I also agree. Laud was unappealing. As much as this cradle Episcopalian loves our litergy and has a special place in her heart for the Twenty-eight praybook, Laud certain went about it the wrong way.
I think saints are to be windows to God and patterns for our lives in faith. Kamehameha was a much clearer window for me and the pattern to strive for (not the being royalty part). I love our shared liturgy with its rich symbolism and the words/music we share across space and time. It sounds like Kamehameha did too, but went for the Second Great Commandment. This was the easiest choice for me so far--also leaves me thankful for "copy" and "paste" when writing Kamehameha.
Sometimes it helps me when I decide to vote to consider evangelism: When Father Tim or Scott do interviews, explaining Lent Madness and introducing past winners, I sometimes think beyond what personally inspires me, and think about how the agnostic or "spiritual but not religious" folks will hear it. I'm thinking that Laud may not inspire many outside the Anglican Communion to turn to Lent Madness and learn about the saints.
Very well said.
I find most interesting that in traveling in the 19th century to the USA and Europe he not only converted to Chrustianity but chose Anglicanism specifically. I wonder what in Anglican thought and practices appealed it him? In many ways the Anglican Church is in the middle of the various Christian sects, from the long historical churches of Catholicism to the new more fundamentalist churches and faiths sprouting up post 1600 arising out of he Protestant Refirmation. The Celtic roots in Anglicanism was based upon the values of moderation. And as we have evolved as the Anglican Communion we are certainly diverse and reflect the full spectrum of religious views and have people participating on all the continents. I was once in Fiji and went to the Angkican service in Suva and it was like home from the service to the coffee hour, but the church and service had a Fijian Anglican feel. King K and Emma reflect in my mind what we of the Anglican Communion have to offer. Diversity in beliefs, consistency in traction, service to others and fellowship. As Robin Williams once said one of the best reasons to be an Episcopalean is you always find one person to agree with theologically. We have grown a lot since Laud and the Puritans King K and Emma are there with us.
Excuse the typos, still having my first cup of tea. "traction" should be "tradition"
Once, slightly lost while trying to get out of north Texas, I found myself in the town of Pittsburg, saw an Episcopal Church sign, decided to investigate, and was astonished to discover it was Saint William Laud Episcopal Church. Hm. This, I believe, is the only such dedication in ECUSA, anyway. I'd be interested to know the story behind the name.
King takes bishop...
" dangerously out of touch with common persuasions . . . fierce defense of the Church’s privileges and prerogatives" I'm shocked, shocked I tell you, to read this about a clergyperson.
The Chapel Singers of the University of Redlands sang the Office of Compline in St. Andrew's Cathedral early on in my tenure at the University. It rained all week during our tour until the Choral Eucharist on Sunday when during the Offertory Anthem - Kyrie by Louis Vierne - the sun broke through during the final two pages. There was not a dry eye in the choir. On another note, Trinity Episcopal Church, Redlands MOVED church furniture and brought a temporary altar closer to the congregation. The resulting ecclesiatical enragement by older members of the congregation (and some in the choir) was possible grounds of a beheading of the rector and deportation of those who supported this "Redlands" Movement. Kyrie elision!
Kamehamaha didn't have to be elected to office, but chose to take the active path to serve his people (with the help of an admirable woman). Laud grasped the nettle and followed what he thought was the Right Way, and endured winter and also being killed for his strong beliefs, so although I like K better, I give some homage to the Archbishop. Margaret
I'm with Big Pineapple today...thinking warm thoughts (and hoping for many votes) for King Kamehameha. Kona coffee is on the menu today. For those who might not be aware, there is a Hawaiian sovereignty movement to this day. No matter what you think of it, you might be interested in learning about it from this article in Indian Country Today, "Hawaiian Sovereignty 101", one of the largest Native news publications in the US. http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/06/28/hawaiian-sovereignty-101-growing-fight-native-independence-155531
Is there a printed version of all these biographies? There is so much interesting info that I'd like to reread, but not on a screen.
This is myFIRST comment....
Welcome to the madness. There is a Saintly Scorecard published each year with the special bios created for Lent Madness. If still available, it can be purchased at Forward Movement's website. Click the above Resources and Lentorium tabs to find that link and perhaps a few other helpful things.
Also available as an e-book, if the hard copies are sold out.
Thanks, Linda. I did get an ebook for my NOOK. Print was sold out.
Next year I'll be quicker. Only ebooks are available. Thanks for the info.
I fear that Laud is in danger of being martyred again! He perhaps was not wise or engaging in his method, but we all benefit from his efforts to shape and preserve the Liturgy. That said, Kamehameha had, by all accounts, a sweet spirit. Tough choice!
I was actually really torn with this one. I deeply respect Laud's anti-Calvinism and his commitment to liturgy. Kamehameha's deep faith and commitment to good are equally praiseworthy. However, I worry that his willingness to work with the West may have blinded him to western interests in Hawaii, interests not at all holy, and in so doing may have unintentionally facilitated western imperialism in Hawaii. I am not a fan of Laud's righteous commitment to hierarchy, either. My vote goes to Kamehameha by a hair because whatever consequences there were, they were unintentional. Laud knew what he was doing.
Did the Supreme Executive Committee create a "strawman" challenge to Kamehameha ? or are they hoping to find high church devotees? It seems clear that between moving the altar, or moving among the sick, which is more saintly and deserving of a halo.
Because of his commitment to practicing Anglicanism and providing healthcare, it's Kamehameha for me today.
My beloved late Church History professor, Don Armentrout, would spin in his grave (figuratively speaking, since I think he was cremated) if I voted for William Laud. So Kamehameha it is. Plus it's so much fun to say.
Amen to what Don Armentrout (God rest his soul) would think about voting for Laud. It puts a smile on my face!
What a great tribute to Don!
Laud was lost to me before I finished reading his bio. Kamehameha!
For any interested in King Kamehameha and Queen Emma, I heartily recommend Sarah Vowell's book on this history of Hawaii at this time, called _Unfamiliar Fishes_.
It's been so cold over here in upstate NY this winter, I'm going for Hawaii! Also, Laud doesn't have much to laud himself over Kamehameha, IMHO.
If Laud had not defended the BCP Kamehameha might not have had the opportunity to fall in love with it
Coming from Hawaii I may be prejudice. My vote goes to King Kamehameha. I admire him and Queen Emma for getting in the middle of things for the people. They got their hands dirty. They were really servants for the LORD.
As a devoted Anglo-Catholic my vote must to go to Laud, although it's quite likely he'd rather not have it, since that vote so far this Lent seems to be the kiss of doom.
What was the religion of Hawaii before Kamehameha introduced Anglicanism? I imagine it was native aboriginal, but does anyone have any further insight or detail?
Before Kamehameha IV introduced Anglicanism, Congregationalism was pretty well entrenched. As a boy, the future Kamehameha IV had been educated by Congregationalist missionaries at the Chiefs' Children's School, which had been founded by Kamehameha III to prepare future generations to become Christian rulers. (The traditional Hawaiian religion had been outlawed in 1831, three years before the birth of the future Kamehameha IV.) So in embracing Anglicanism over the Calvinism of his youth, Kamehameha IV was in a sense following in William Laud's footsteps.
Father Damien, who ministered to the lepers at Molokai, was a bright light among Catholic clergy in Hawaii during Kamehameha IV's reign. Catholicism was not a well-established as Anglicanism or Congregationalism in Hawaii, though.
Kamehameha! He surfed, dude!
William Laud has my respect as a defender of the sacraments and the liturgy and as a martyr for his convictions.
But Kamehameha has my vote as one who used his position and his resources to bring Christian beliefs and faith to his people, especially by translating the Book of Common Prayer into the Hawaiian language. I wonder what else he would have done had he lived longer.