Thomas E. FitzGerald
Thomas E. FitzGerald is professor of church history and historical theology at Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Mass.
Region: United States of America
“A Native American’s View of Columbus Day”
Read an NPR investigation of what Columbus Day means for Native Americans.
Ilyse Hogue
Ilyse Hogue is president of the Proactive Policy Institute of NARAL Pro-Choice America, formerly the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League.
“Proclamation: Nordic explorer holiday”
Oct. 9 each year also honors Nordic explorer Leif Erickson, since a 2005 proclamation by President Bush.
Donald M. Fairbairn
Donald M. Fairbairn Jr. is professor of historical theology at Evangelical Theology Faculty in Leuven, Belgium. Previously he was a professor of historical theology and missions at Erskine Theological Seminary in Due West, S.C. He is the author of Eastern Orthodoxy Through Western Eyes.
“Columbus Day Approaches Under Heavy Fire and a Call for Change”
Read an Oct. 5, 2012 Wired article about the movement to rename Columbus Day as “Exploration Day,” to preserve the history of America and its discovery while keeping the story true to its essence in regards to the violence towards the Native Americans.
John H. Erickson
John H. Erickson is professor of church history at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Crestwood, N.Y.
“Should the US continue to honor Columbus Day?”
Read a poll about whether or not Columbus Day should continue to be celebrated as a national holiday. This poll provides reasoning behind both sides of the debate.
“Columbus Day 2012: Hero, Villain or Both?”
Read an Oct. 8, 2012 ABC News article about the history of Christopher Columbus finding the Americas, and how that story might change depending on the point of view.