The Henson Journals

[36]

Thursday, July 8th, 1920.

The discussion at the Conference turned on the Place of women in the Ministrations of the Church, and it was evident enough that there was a strong feminist sentiment among the Bishops. At first it seemed likely that the subject would 'peter out' in the morning: but after lunch interest revived. I made a speech criticising the assumptions & pleas of the feminists, & this had the effect of continuing the discussion till the end of the day. I find myself in rather an odd position. The bishops who are ready to stand with me on Reunion are almost all feminists and Christian Socialists, & they cannot understand how I can oppose both. In that opposition, moreover, I find myself in the same camp with ancient obscurantists & "Catholick" bigots! Of course my ground of opposition is neither obscurantist nor "Catholick", but I find myself in the same lobby none the less.

[I joined Ella at Mrs Davidson's "At Home". Among the company were Lady Helmsley (whom I failed to recognize), & Lady Scarbrough, who was very affectionate. After tea, we called on the Speaker, & then returned to the Deanery. There was a pleasant dinner party. Clutton Brock & his wife are staying in the house. He is curiously different to what I had expected. Ruth turned up, & discoursed sweet musick to the company. Meicklejohn, once one of Asquith's private secretaries, was at dinner, & Sir Something & Lady Boyle. Also Stanley Leathes.]

---