The Henson Journals

[5]

December 14, 1913.

KIKUYU

Bishop Willis had an interview with me in my study with reference to the visit which he is about to make to Farnham. I warned him that the Bishop of Winchester was an adept in talking men into acquiescence with his own projects: that he was probably designing to patch up the dispute which the Bishop of Zanzibar has so fatuously undertaken: & that he would probably try to get from him something which could be twisted into a retreat. I advised him to make no promises, & give no undertakings: if pressed to do so, to insist on taking counsel from his friends. I pointed out that the local issue was now absorbed in a larger one, & that he had himself become the representative of Evangelicalism within the English Church. Bishop Willis is candid, sensible, and courageous: but he doesn't know much about the situation in England, and he has little acquaintance with the historical questions raised by his own action. I told him that he might write to me when he would, & that I would help him in every way in my power. He said that he proposed to stand mainly on his personal knowledge of the requirements of missionary work, & should avoid controversy as much as possible. This course I approved adding that if he would stand to his guns, he would be supported here. I also urged him to take a firm line with respect to the Bishop of Zanzibar's charge of heresy! It must be withdrawn with as much publicity as has marked its preferment. I gave him copies of my Lee Lecture, the 'Road to Unity', the little book 'Ecclesiastica', and 'Moral Discipline in the Christian Church'.

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