The Mission of Gregory and Augustin. Conversion of Kent, ad 595-604

Conversion of Kent

The process of converting the Anglo-Saxon peoples to Christianity, initiated by missionaries sent by Pope Gregory I.

Pope Gregory I

The pope who initiated the mission to convert the Anglo-Saxons in England after seeing three Angl Sax slave boys in Rome.

Ethelbert

The king of Kent who converted to Christianity and allowed missionaries to preach in his kingdom.

Augustin (Austin)

The Benedictine abbot sent by Gregory I to lead the mission to convert the English.

Thanet

The isle where the missionaries landed on their way to convert the people of Kent.

Voluntary service to Christ

The principle taught by Ethelbert that conversion and service should be voluntary, not forced.

Baptism at Christmas

The event in which Augustin baptized more than 10,000 English Christians.

Advice to convert pagan temples

Gregory's counsel to Augustin to convert rather than destroy pagan temples, leading to integration of pagan rituals in Christianity.

Anglo-Saxon conquest impact on Christianity

The uprooting of Christianity in Britain due to violence against priests and destruction of churches.

Influence of Bertha

Christian princess from Paris who was married to King Ethelbert, influencing his openness to Christianity.