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Synod of Whitby

Type Event Region England Time 664

In 664, King Oswiu of Northumbria convened a synod at Whitby to settle disputes between the Celtic and Roman churches over Easter calculation, cleric…

Timeline

  1. 664Whitby Abbey · EnglandKing Oswiu's queen Eanflæd followed the Roman rite, while Celtic-tradition clergy remained at court. Differences in the date of Easter caused royal family members to fast on different days, prompting the king to convene representatives of both sides for debate at Whitby Abbey.
  2. 664Whitby · EnglandWilfrid represented the Roman party and Coleman the Celtic tradition of Iona. The two sides debated the Easter computation, clerical hairstyle, and monastic discipline. Wilfrid invoked papal authority and universal church practice, emphasizing the primacy of the succession of Saint Peter.
  3. 664–665England · EnglandOswiu ruled in favor of adopting the Roman Easter and rite. Coleman led some clergy back to Ireland, and the Celtic tradition rapidly declined in England. Thereafter the English church strengthened its ties with Rome and the continent, laying the foundation for the later unification of church organization.

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