This week in Christian history: First Crusade battle, ‘Parliament of the Saints,’ pope kidnapped

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, June 30, 2024

'Parliament of the Saints' holds first meeting – July 4, 1653

Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658), a Puritan military leader and statesman who served as Lord Protector of England following the English Civil War. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when the Barebones Parliament, also known as the Parliament of the Saints, a Puritan legislative body in England, held its first meeting.

Named after lay preacher and leather salesman Praise-God Barebone, the deliberative body was created after the Rump Parliament under Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell was expelled and was composed of 144 members.

“Barebone was not a typical member, however, for at least four-fifths of the House were gentlemen, and moderate men clearly outnumbered religious and political radicals,” explained Encyclopedia.com.

“But the latter strove disruptively for extreme changes in religion and the law, until the moderate majority, to Cromwell's relief, staged a walk-out on 12 December and resigned their authority back into his hands.”