The rivalry between Celtic and Roman Christians was
finally settled at a church gathering, or synod, called by the king of
Northumbria at Whitby. The main controversy at this synod concerned the proper
date for Easter. In the course of the debate it was asserted that the Roman
custom had the sanction of St. Peter, to whom Christ had intrusted the keys of
heaven. This statement was enough for the Northumbrian king, who thereupon
decided in favor of the Roman claim, declaring that he would not oppose St.
Peter, "lest when I come before the gates of the kingdom of heaven, he who
holds the keys should not open to me." [28] The representatives of the
Celtic Church then withdrew from England, leaving the field clear for Roman
missionaries.
[28] Bede, Historia ecclesiastica, iii, 25.
THE BRITISH ISLES BECAME ROMAN CATHOLIC
The decision of the Synod of Whitby in favor of Rome meant
that all England henceforth would recognize the pope's authority in religious
matters. It remained a Roman Catholic country until the time of the
Reformation, nearly nine hundred years later. [29] The Celtic Christians in
Ireland and Scotland also in the course of time became the devoted children of
the Roman Church.
[29] The separation from Rome occurred in 1534 A.D.,
during the reign of Henry VIII.
