THE “Call to Action” [Canon Storr’s anti-Catholic campaign with the Church Assembly elections and Prayer Book revision in view] has at last had a response. It has called the Bishop of London to the Anglo-Catholic anniversary at the Albert Hall. The Bishop had not intended to attend the anniversary this year, but when he read the charges made against the Anglo-Catholics, whose zeal and devotion he knows so well, he felt it imperative that he should use the occasion publicly to testify to their faithfulness, and largely to identify himself with the Catholic revival. We are not sure that Dr. Winnington-Ingram’s courage is always sufficiently appreciated. He never fears to stand alone. When others malign, he praises, and he praises because he knows. His Albert Hall speech will add, if it be possible, to the love and veneration in which he is held by the Catholic clergy and laity of his diocese. Apart from the speeches of Lord Halifax and the Bishop, the Albert Hall meeting this year lacked something of the authority and inspiration of previous years. The speeches for the most part were undistinguished. Fr. Vernon, most inspiring of evangelists, is not altogether happy as the last speaker at a meeting that has been frequently stirred to cheers and laughter. The crowded Hall testified to the vitality of the movement, but we fear that the thousands of the faithful assembled were eager for help and guidance that they did not receive.
The Church Times digital archive is available free to subscribers.