January 27

Born in Ohio in 1821, John Chivington graduated from Oberlin College and joined the Methodist ministry. During the Civil War, he was appointed colonel of the Third Colorado Cavalry and tasked with frontier defense. In November 1864, he led an attack on Cheyenne and Arapaho encampments at Sand Creek, resulting in a massacre of Native Americans. The brutality of the raid sparked national outrage, but Chivington avoided prosecution and never expressed remorse. After the war, he returned to preaching, living much of his later life in obscurity. He died in 1892, leaving behind a contentious legacy marked by one of the most tragic episodes of the American West.

Born on January 27, 1944, Peter Akinola rose through the ranks of the Anglican Church in Nigeria to become Bishop of Ilesa in 1989. He was elected Primate of the Church of Nigeria in April 2000 and served until March 2010, guiding the province through significant growth. Akinola is known for his conservative theological stance and vocal positions on social issues such as human sexuality and interfaith relations. He played a prominent role in the global Anglican realignment, advocating traditional interpretations of doctrine. Beyond ecclesiastical duties, he has been active in educational and charitable initiatives, promoting development in his home country. His tenure saw the Church of Nigeria become one of the largest Anglican provinces worldwide.