Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Constantine and the Birth of Religious Tolerance


It is exactly 1700 years since the Emperor Constantine gave official recognition to Christianity.

In the midst of the activities surrounding the Papal resignation and speculation on the next choice for the Chair of St Peter, a very important anniversary has gone virtually unnoticed. In February 313 AD, in the reign of Pope St. Melchiades (311-314), the Edict of Milan was promulgated by the Emperor Constantine, a measure that granted Christians the freedom to worship openly, preach the gospel and build churches.



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