Tyndale

On Thursday 13 September we marched past the monument to William Tyndale south of Dursley in Gloucestershire. In the 1520s, Tyndale translated the New Testament of the Bible into early modern English against the will of the state, and had copies printed and distributed across England. The established church and state opposed common people being able to read the New Testament in English; fearful of how the radical words of Jesus would be used. Tyndale was burnt at the stake in 1536.

Before Tyndale got his translation published, Henry VIII had sought to use reformers like Tyndale in the King's quest to get a divorce from his first wife Catherine of Aragon. Tyndale passed-up the chance of personal gain and insider access to the state because he believed what Henry VIII was doing was wrong and an abuse of power.

When we engage with people in power, there is always a debate as to what extent we should modify our challenge and get insider access so that we are more likely to have 'influence'. I think like Tyndale we have to remain true to the challenge we have to those in power. Success is highlighting injustice and calling for change, not getting insider access at the expense of toning down what we say.

Distance covered so far: 800 miles