In this livestream, we explore one of the most fascinating traditions in English Christian history: Did Joseph of Arimathea bring the Gospel to Britain?

Long before Augustine arrived in 597, there were claims that Christianity had already taken root in the British Isles. Medieval sources connected Glastonbury to Joseph of Arimathea — the man who buried Christ — and even suggested an apostolic foundation for the English Church. But what is legend? What is history? And what can we say with confidence?

In this discussion, we examine:

• Early Church references to Christianity in Britain

• The Glastonbury tradition

• Medieval papal recognition of its antiquity

• What historians actually affirm

• How this shapes our understanding of the English Church before Rome.

But how early does it go?

Subscribe for more teaching on Anglican history, the first millennium, and the catholic roots of the English Church.

Steve Macias Anglican Priest and Classical Educator

Reformed Episcopal Priest. Rector at Saint Paul’s & Headmaster at Canterbury School.

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