September 10

Eutychius of Alexandria, Gerrard Winstanley, and Laura Cornelius Kellogg

Author

David Barnhart
September 10, 2025

2023. Own photo.

Eutychius of Alexandria was born on this day in 877. He was one of the first Christian writers to write in Arabic, and became Patriarch of the Melkite church, a Middle Eastern church. 

Today marks the death, in 1609, of Gerrard Winstanley, a religious land reformer. Based on the theology of the early church in Acts, he founded a group called “The True Levellers” or “The Diggers,” who took over private land in order to plant crops for the common good. They tore down fences and dug up hedgerows in order to redistribute wealth. He became a Quaker and a Universalist. 

Today is also the birthday, in 1880, of Laura Cornelius Kellogg, also known as “Minnie” and “Wynnongene.” She became a leading voice for indigenous American rights, and founded the Society of American Indians. She was critical both of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the system of church-run Indian Boarding Schools.

Reflection:

Gerrard Winstanley wrote: 

“If you look through the Earth, you shall see that the landlords, Teachers and Rulers, are oppressors, murderers, and thieves. But it was not thus from the beginning. And this is one reason we dig and labor the Earth with one another: That we might work in righteousness, and lift up the Creation from bondage. For so long as we have landlords in this corrupt settlement, we cannot work in righteousness; for we should still lift up the curse, and tread down the Creation, dishonor the Spirit of universal Liberty, and hinder the work of restoration.”

Prayer: God, everywhere we have put up fences and boundaries in order that the rich may have more and the poor have less, because money has no value unless some people do not have it. Destroy this system of oppression, God, and bring us into right relationship with each other, the planet, and you. Amen.