THE “RED” DEAN’S STORY

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31724, 6 July 1968, Page 4

THE “RED” DEAN’S STORY

Searching for Light The Autobiography of Hewlett Johnson. The “Red” Dean of Canterbury. Michael Joseph. 435.

From the comfort and security of a large happy family, young Hewlett Johnson observed the poverty and misery of many of those living around him. His parents were well-to-do, middle-class people, kind and generous, shunning any form

of self-contained and Isolated life. Always there was food for the needy passer-by and accommodation for the exhausted social worker. Poverty in the midst of plenty distressed Hewlett and from this recognition of his own good fortune sprang his allegiance to the Socialist cause—an allegiance that was to cost him dear, later, after Ordination when he began his life in the ministry. The public misunderstood the motives behind his speeches for world peace; Ms long journeys to foreign countries, especially to Russia and China, which he visited several times; Ms advocacy of Russian communism. To the Dean it was all so clear—“world brotherhood” based on the happy family life he had known, he saw it as a continuation of communal sharing. The Socialist maxim “from each according to his ability: to each according to Ms work” led on naturally to the Communist maxim “from each according to Ms ability; to each according to Ma need.” Hewlett Johnson studied the maxims, tested them against the Gospel parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard, and concluded that the idea was wholly Christian. Any attempt to raise the standard of living and of education among the workers had his immediate support, but he judged everything from the point of view of Christian principles—lore ef humanity was Ms guiding light

His book “The Socialist Sixth of the World” had a staggering reception. It readied 22 editions and sold several million copies in 24 languages. In Australia, alone, 200,000 copies were sold and its success led to an invitation to speak for the Australian Peace Council in 1950. An immense hall was packed, although the authorities had stopped all suburban trains and trams. Crowds turned up in carts and drays, on lorries, bicycles and on foot As Dean of Canterbury from 1931, Dr Johnson was scrupulously careful to fulfil all Ms duties so as to be above criticism. He was also responsible, after the war, for a gigantic programme for Improving and beautifying the Cathedral and its fabric and for restoring the Precincts shattered during the bombing. The Choir School, too, he raised In standard both financially and academically.

From this autobiography, ■ finished just a few weeks before his death at the age of 92, there emerges a portrait of a compelling man, warm-hearted, friendly, vigorous, intensely active in political and religious spheres—not for him a choice between the two—always aware of the needs of men, violently opposed to war or any form of killing. Such a man could not avoid publicity; in fact, he became one of the most controversial figures in the Church of England thia century.