November 07

Born in 1650, John Robinson pursued ordination in the Church of England and rose through ecclesiastical ranks. He was consecrated Bishop of Bristol, overseeing clergy discipline and pastoral care within his diocese. Alongside his religious duties, Robinson served as a diplomatic envoy to European courts, notably in the Netherlands. His efforts helped negotiate alliances and maintain England’s interests during a period of shifting continental power. Robinson died in 1723, leaving a legacy as both a spiritual leader and a skilled diplomat.

Anton thor Helle was born in 1683 and served as a Lutheran pastor in present-day Tallinn. Fascinated by local culture, he authored grammar guides and catechisms to make religious instruction accessible in Estonian. Helle compiled one of the first German-Estonian dictionaries, laying groundwork for standardized Estonian orthography. His translations of liturgical texts enriched the nascent Estonian literary tradition and supported vernacular worship. Through his educational and clerical work, he played a key role in the early development of Estonian philology before his death in 1748.

Born in Pueblo, Colorado, Blake was ordained in the Presbyterian Church and earned a Ph.D. in theology. He served as president of the National Council of Churches (1954–1966), fostering interdenominational cooperation. An advocate for civil rights, he participated in key marches and spoke against racial discrimination. He taught at Union Theological Seminary, mentoring future religious leaders. His leadership shaped mid-20th-century American Protestantism and ecumenical movements.

Born in 1918 in North Carolina, Billy Graham founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and preached to live audiences totaling over 200 million people. He served as a spiritual advisor to multiple U.S. presidents and conducted large-scale crusades around the world. An accomplished author, he wrote more than 30 books on faith and spirituality. Graham's simple, direct style and media-savvy approach helped bring evangelical Christianity into mainstream culture. He remained active in ministry until his death in 2018, leaving a lasting legacy in modern evangelicalism.

Born in Pocatello, Idaho, in 1928, Richard G. Scott earned degrees in mechanical engineering from Caltech and nuclear engineering from MIT. He worked on nuclear reactor safety at Oak Ridge National Laboratory before devoting himself to full-time service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1988, he traveled extensively teaching and providing leadership. Scott authored numerous church publications and was known for his compassionate ministry and scriptural insights. He served in this role until his death in 2015, leaving a legacy of faith and scholarship.

Angelo Scola is a prominent Italian cardinal of the Catholic Church and a noted philosopher. He served as Archbishop of Milan from 2011 to 2017 and was the Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. Scola has written extensively on ecclesiology, ethics, and social doctrine, blending philosophical rigor with theological insight. He holds doctorates in philosophy and theology and has taught at universities in Italy. As a member of the College of Cardinals, he has been influential in Church governance and interfaith dialogue. His works on the nature of communion and the role of the family in society have shaped contemporary Catholic thought.

Born in 1953, Christopher Foster was ordained in the Church of England in the 1970s and served in various parish and diocesan roles. He was consecrated as Bishop of Southampton before later taking on the responsibilities of the Bishop of Portsmouth. Foster has championed social justice initiatives, interfaith dialogue, and youth engagement throughout his ministry. He has authored articles on pastoral theology and led programs to modernize church services. Under his guidance, the dioceses have expanded community outreach and educational partnerships. Foster's blend of traditional faith with contemporary relevance has marked his decades of service.