THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Edict of Toleration issued

On this day in history, 30th April 311 AD, Roman Emperor Galerius issued an Edict of Toleration, ending persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire (VIDEO BELOW).

He did so in Serdica (the forerunner of the City of Sofia) and so another commonly used name is the Edict of Serdica.

Galerius was the son of a Greek shepherd who became a Roman soldier. He rose in power and authority to become a junior ruler with Diocletian. When Emperor Diocletian began his great persecution of Christians in 303, Galerius instigated the action, convincing Diocletian that Christians were dangerous enemies of the empire.

Galerius himself issued another edict in 304 requiring everyone in the empire to sacrifice to the gods of the empire on pain of death or forced labor. Persecutors imprisoned churchmen, destroyed precious Bible manuscripts, and executed hundreds of Christians.

When Diocletian abdicated, Galerius became senior emperor in 305. He continued his cruel persecution, which was so widespread and intense that it became known as the great persecution. However, Christianity simply would not go away. Even Galerius recognized the impossibility of snuffing out the illegal religion.

Then he became ill. A Christian writer named Lactantius said that Galerius' body rotted and was eaten by maggots while he writhed in agony. Apparently Galerius' conscience connected his persecution of Christians with his present misery.

He seems to have seen his illness as a judgment from the Christian God. At any rate, his edict mentioned only Christians.

The edict began by justifying his murder. "Amongst our other measures for the advantage of the Empire, we have hitherto endeavored to bring all things into conformity with the ancient laws and public order of the Romans. We have been especially anxious that even the Christians, who have abandoned the religion of their ancestors, should return to reason."

Noting that some Christians had betrayed their faith out of fear while others endured torture, Galerius decided illogically that "we, with our wonted clemency, have judged it wise to extend a pardon even to these men and permit them once more to become Christians and reestablish their places of meeting..."

Galerius added that "...it should be the duty of the Christians, in view of our clemency [mercy], to pray to their god for our welfare, for that of the Empire, and for their own, so that the Empire may remain intact in all its parts, and that they themselves may live safely in their habitations."

Its content has been fully preserved in both Greek and Latin.

Prayer seems to be the point of the edict. Galerius wanted Christian prayers. Did he hope for a miracle? If so, he was disappointed. He died a week after issuing the edict.

This was a remarkable civilization act, a unique document formulating for the first time the idea of religious toleration.

Its release has been acknowledged as a turning point that created the background of making Christian faith official in Europe and across the world.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

FREE Christian Cross Lapel Badge

The British Freedom Party is an unashamedly Christian movement!

We encourage our members and supporters to wear the Christian cross as a symbol of our ancient faith and in solidarity with Christians who continue to face persecution throughout the world. 

Stay connected! If you want to be notified of our latest videos, livestreams and more, why not consider subscribing to our Purged.tv channel!