Isaac Backus, notable Baptist evangelist and advocate of religious freedom, is called to be pastor of Bridgewater, Mass. - March 31
Needing money to rebuild St. Peter’s basilica, Pope Leo X announces a sale of indulgences to run for eight years beginning this day. Friar Martin Luther posts his 95 Theses in response.
1146 - French monastic reformer and theologian Bernard of Clairvaux preaches for the Second Crusade at Vezelay, France. He urged his audience to "take the sign of the cross," and so many responded that he ran out of cloth crosses to pass out (he ended up tearing pieces from his habit to stitch on the shirts of would-be crusaders).
1492 - After the Inquisition failed to convert Spain's Jews, monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella signed an edict giving them three months to leave the country. An estimated 150,000 Jews fled, the last reportedly leaving on August 2, the traditional anniversary of the destruction of the first and second temples. The next day, August 3, Christopher Columbus sailed for America.
1492 - Queen Isabella, having compelled Muslims to convert to Christianity or leave Spain, now signs a similar decree relating to her Jewish subjects, ordering them to convert to Christianity or face expulsion.
1515 - Needing money to rebuild St. Peter’s basilica, Pope Leo X announces a sale of indulgences to run for eight years beginning this day. Albert of Brandenberg, deeply in debt after purchasing his position as archbishop, is allowed to keep half the proceeds, but will not profit as greatly as he hopes because the indulgence will anger the friar Martin Luther, who will post his Ninety-Five Theses in response. The Reformation will result.
1748 - Isaac Backus is called to be pastor of Bridgewater, Massachusetts. He will become a notable Baptist evangelist and an advocate of religious freedom.
1816 - Pioneer Methodist bishop Francis Asbury dies at age 71. During his 45-year ministry in America, he traveled on horseback or in carriage an estimated 300,000 miles, delivering some 16,500 sermons.
2011 - Death of Tanzanian evangelist Yohana Zebedayo who worked with the Africa Inland Church, preaching Christ-centered sermons.
– Source: Christian History Institute, christianitytoday.com