The Henson Journals

[183]

Monday, November 19th, 1928.

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A letter of considerable interest appears in the Times under the heading 'Church and State' over the signature of Adolf Keller, 19 Rue de Candolle, Geneva. Of the author I know nothing but, as the letter is printed in large type, I assume that he is a person of some authority: He writes:–

'The Prayer–book situation is developing into a general European discussion of the relationship between Church and State, as is shown in a series of articles in Sir Henry Lunn's Review of the Churches and in the Continental Press. Not only is a great medieval problem like a ghost coming thus back again, but the whole continent of Europe is taking a keen interest in the situation. The problem of Church and State is of a paramount importance in every continental country to–day, even where disestablishment is accepted, as in Germany or in France, where the Government feels just now compelled to seek a 'readjustment' of the former solution reached in 1905. In other Continental countries this question has become acute with the conclusion of many concordats between the State of the Roman [184] Church. It is, therefore, really one of the great issues of the Church in Europe in her effort to adjust herself to modern life.'

I finished the Bunyan sermon, & wrote to the Dean of Westminster in answer to an inquiry from him, suggesting that a congruous hymn to follow it would be "When I survey the wondrous cross".

Lionel & I walked round the Park together, & then wrote letters until it was time for me to dress for dinner.

Ella & I motored to Durham, & dined in the Castle with Mr Justice & Lady Roche. The High Sheriff & Mrs Forster, Bayley & his wife, Mr & Mrs Cowan, Miss Roche & Richardson the Marshall made up the party.

The evening paper announces the sudden death of Lady Grey of Falloden. This is truly a tragic happening. Grey's blindness was a heavy blow, this bereavement will be overwhelming. There is no public man for whose personal sorrows more people will feel a genuine concern.

Gwilliam the Vicar of Heworth died yesterday. He was not a wise man, but, in his own fussy and tactless fashion, he laboured at his vocation.

Loney, of St. James's, Stockton, writes to offer his resignation.

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