June 22

Born in 1680 near Dunfermline, Ebenezer Erskine studied theology at the University of Edinburgh. He served as a minister in various parishes and became known for his powerful preaching and writings. Erskine opposed patronage in the Church of Scotland, leading to a schism that formed the Associate Presbytery in 1733. He authored sermons and treatises that influenced Presbyterian thought. Erskine traveled to the Netherlands to gather support for the Secession Church. He died in 1754, remembered as a pivotal figure in Scottish religious history.

Pascual Díaz y Barreto was born on June 22, 1876, and ordained a priest in 1900. He served as Bishop of Tabasco before his appointment as Archbishop of Mexico in 1930, guiding the Church through the closing phases of the Cristero War. Known for his pastoral care and diplomatic acumen, he fostered dialogue between the Vatican and the Mexican government. Díaz y Barreto promoted social programs to assist the poor and worked to rebuild parishes damaged by conflict. His sudden death in 1936 was mourned across Mexico and highlighted his role as a compassionate spiritual leader.

Born in Meissen, Germany, Emil Fackenheim survived internment in Buchenwald and emigrated after World War II, eventually teaching philosophy at the University of Toronto. His work confronted the theological and ethical challenges posed by the Holocaust, formulating the idea that Jews must survive as a divine imperative, often called the 614th commandment. Fackenheim wrote extensively on Jewish thought, humanism, and interfaith dialogue. A Reform rabbi, he sought to reconcile modern philosophy with Jewish tradition. He passed away in 2003, leaving a profound impact on post-Holocaust theology.

Bruce Kent began his career as a Catholic priest before focusing on peace and social justice activism. He served as General Secretary and later Chair of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND). Under his leadership, the CND grew into one of Britain’s largest single-issue movements, organizing mass rallies. Kent also spoke internationally on disarmament and human rights, influencing Cold War-era policy debates. He authored several books on faith, peace, and ethical politics, merging his religious background with activism. After laicisation in 1987, he remained a vocal advocate for nonviolence and global nuclear disarmament.

Linda Bond was born in 1946 in Canada and dedicated her life to service in The Salvation Army. She joined the organization at a young age and served in various leadership roles across Canadian territories. In 2011, she was elected as the 19th General, becoming the highest-ranking officer and first Canadian to hold the position. During her tenure, she prioritized social justice initiatives, including poverty alleviation and disaster relief. She also worked to modernize the Army’s administrative structure and expand its international outreach. After retiring in 2013, she continued to advocate for marginalized communities through faith-based service programs.

Wim Eijk is a Dutch cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Groningen-Leeuwarden before being appointed Archbishop of Utrecht in 2008. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI created him a cardinal. Cardinal Eijk has been a member of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and has participated in several international synods. Known for his conservative theological stance, he remains an influential figure in both Dutch and global church affairs. He continues to shape church policies and pastoral initiatives in the Netherlands.