LEADERSHIP BY HIERARCHY

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26855, 7 October 1952, Page 7

LEADERSHIP BY HIERARCHY

Church Qf England Criticism ( Rec. 8 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 6. The Marquis of Londonderry in a letter which the “Daily Telegraph” features, strongly criticises the Church ot England hierachy, headed by the Archbishop of Canterbury (Dr. G. F. Fisher) for its “lack of leadership.” He says that he and his friends have lost faith in the hierarchy, which they claim has failed to provide a lead to public opinion and which tolerates in its midst the activities of men like the Dean of Canterbury. * The Marquis of Londonderry says that “the unhappy admission” by Dr. Fisher that the Church had no powers to deal with “the sorcaljed problem of the Red Dean” had dope almost as much harm as the activities of the Dean himself. “It must be surprising for foreigners ta learn that such a dignitary is a Communist, but it is a greater shdek to them to realise that tne Church is not greatly concerned about it, and, anyway, has no powers to deal with the situation. “But is the Archbishop correct? The Church Assembly recently introduced a Retirement of Bishops measure. Is there anything to prevent this being extended to include Deans who are unfit to hold office? “The question was debated in the House of Lords. The Archbishop made a very witty speech. Men like myself who are striving to advance the cause of the Church in industrial areas, look to Lambeth for leadership, not wisecracks.

"Today the Church is facing the greatest menace in its history—Marxist materialism. The only way to come Communism is by a great religious revival. “Does the Archbishop really think he can influence the Communists by a policy of ‘offering other cheek?’ a **4l°‘ abdication crisis. Archbishop Lang was presented with a wonderful chance to give a spiritual lead tq the nation. He declined it. He maintained a discreet silence until the whole unhappy business was resolved, whereupon he delivered an utterly unChristian broadcast, “Once again the Archbishop of Canterbury refuses to give a lead. My friends and I will continue tp carry on in the parishes, but it will be ‘a soldiers’ battle.’ We have lost faith in the hierarchy which fails to provide leadership and which tolerates in its midst the activities of men like the Dean of Canterbury and, indeed the Bishop of Birmingham.” Kashmir Dispute.— Mr Nehru told a press conference in Madras yesterday that India had tried to settle the Kashmir dispute by negotiation and would continue to do so for the sake of peace, but any attack on Indian territory would be resisted to the utmost. —New Delhi, October 5.