Here's what happened:
The Conflict:
* Easter: The Celtic churches in England followed a different method of calculating Easter than the Roman church. This difference caused confusion and division among the faithful.
* Monasticism: The Celtic churches had their own distinctive form of monasticism, characterized by a stricter, more austere lifestyle. The Roman church favored a more communal and less austere approach.
The Players:
* King Oswiu of Northumbria: Oswiu was the ruler of Northumbria, the most powerful Anglo-Saxon kingdom at the time. He was torn between the two factions and sought a resolution.
* Wilfrid: A Roman missionary who had been brought to Northumbria by King Oswiu. He argued for the Roman method of calculating Easter and the Roman monastic system.
* Columba: A prominent Celtic abbot who argued for the Celtic traditions.
The Outcome:
The Synod of Whitby convened to discuss the two traditions. The arguments were presented by Wilfrid and Columba. King Oswiu ultimately sided with Wilfrid, who argued that the Roman system was supported by Peter, the first Pope, and therefore had greater authority.
Significance:
* The Romanization of the Church: The Synod of Whitby led to the adoption of Roman practices in England, including the Roman method of calculating Easter and the Roman form of monasticism.
* Unification of the Church: It helped unify the Christian church in England under one system, paving the way for the establishment of a strong and centralized church.
* Legacy: The Synod of Whitby is seen as a turning point in English history, marking the beginning of a more unified and integrated Christian culture.
The Synod of Whitby was a significant event that had lasting consequences for the development of Christianity in England and beyond. It demonstrated the importance of finding consensus and the role of power in shaping religious practices.