By Michael Gryboski, Editor Sunday, May 11, 2025

Throughout the extensive history of the Church, there have been numerous events of lasting significance.

Each week marks anniversaries of impressive milestones, unforgettable tragedies, amazing triumphs, memorable births and notable deaths.

Some events, drawn from over 2,000 years of history, might be familiar, while others might be unknown to many.

The following pages highlight anniversaries of memorable events that occurred this week in Christian history. They include Charles Stanley and his wife divorcing, the first Catholic Church council in China, and William Carey publishing an influential pamphlet.

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By Michael Gryboski, Editor Sunday, May 11, 2025

Charles Stanley, wife divorce – May 11, 2000

This week marks the anniversary of the finalizing of the divorce between prominent pastor, author and In Touch Ministries founder Charles Stanley and his wife, Anna Stanley.

During the 1990s, the couple experienced marital issues. Anna Stanley filed for divorce in 1995, but later withdrew to advance reconciliation efforts.

Neither party alleged infidelity on the part of the other, with Charles Stanley at one point reportedly saying that “childhood difficulties” played a factor in the end of the 44-year marriage.

Controversially, Charles Stanley decided to remain pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta, Georgia, which prompted some staff to resign, among them his son, Andy Stanley.

In a 2022 interview with TBN, Charles Stanley recounted telling critics, “God hadn’t told me to do anything but what I’m doing, so I intend to do that until He tells me to do something else.”

“I never felt like I really even divorced her. She asked for it. I responded to it. What else could I do?” he added. “I felt like I had obeyed God by responding and I knew that He would take care of me.”