This week in Christian history: John Wesley arrives in America; Protestant martyr; anti-Nazi pastor tried

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor

English Protestant leader martyred – Feb. 4, 1555

This week marks the anniversary of when John Rogers, an editor of English Bibles and chaplain, became the first Protestant executed for his faith under the reign of Queen Mary I, commonly known as “Bloody Mary.”

Originally a Catholic, Rogers became a Protestant through his friendship with William Tyndale, an influential Bible translator who was himself executed for his beliefs.

“At the stake, Rogers was offered a pardon if only he would recant his beliefs and return to the Catholic church. He refused,” noted Christianity.com. “The fire was lit and Rogers washed his hands in the flames as though he did not feel them.”