The Henson Journals

[85]

Thursday, January 21st, 1926. Lambeth Palace.

[symbol]

This day was given to discursive but perhaps indispensable talk. A series of 3 resolutions had been tabled by 9 bishops viz. Gloucester, Bristol, Birmingham, Worcester, Norwich, Bradford, St Edmundsbury & Ipswich, Sodor& Man, and Exeter. The 1st committed the Episcopate to a series of interviews with all and sundry who desired to expound their views: the 2nd pledged us to determine nothing respecting the Communion Office unless we were unanimous: the 3rd postponed all dealing with Holy Communion indefinitely. These were really "wrecking" propositions. Headlam moved the first: Pearce the next: and Nickson the last. I spoke twice, and apparently succeeded in expressing the general mind. The Archbishop thanked me twice over almost with effusion!

I walked to the Athenaeum, where I was able to get hold of the "Morning Post." in which Ralph has a characteristic article on Goudge's recent pamphlet in defence of the Anglo–Catholicks. He deals faithfully with the Regius Professor, but surely his severity is well–merited. He couples Barnes and me as the two "Liberal Evangelicals" on the Bench, & more Evangelical than Liberal!!!

[86]

January 21st, 1926.

Dear Mr Ferens,

Before I can approve the appointment of a Nonconformist Chaplain, I must satisfy myself that there are sufficient reasons for changing the arrangement which has hitherto prevailed, & which, so far as my information goes, has been found satisfactory.

I shall be obliged, therefore, if you will inform me whether there has been such an increase of Nonconformist inmates as would render the appointment of a Nonconformist Chaplain reasonable and even desirable; and, if not, what good reason there is for departing from the normal system.

Believe me.

Yours very faithfully.

Herbert Dunelm:

---