There are quotes that stick in my head and I just can’t get rid of them. I suspect that this is because they reflect my own beliefs or interests. Any time that I think of William Temple, I remember
The Church is the only society that exists for the benefit of those who are not its members.
William Temple was Archbishop of Canterbury during World War II (1942-1944). He was a leader in what is often referred to as the Social Gospel movement wherein the church was called to live out Christ’s mandate to care for those who lack the resources and power to better themselves. He also partnered with a Rabbi to develop an organization to combat antisemitism. He wrote a book entitled Christianity and Social Order, among others.
Part of what I like about Temple is that he is a hopeful realist. Regarding the above quote, he also said
There is no structural organization of society which can bring about the coming of the Kingdom of God on earth since all systems can be perverted by the selfishness of man.
Nevertheless, he persevered.
Often, the church is portrayed as pure and its leaders as idols. I find it more like a leaky boat with captains trying to figure out how to keep it going. Despite this, it does so much good when it lives out Christ’s call to care for others and sees itself as existing less in buildings and more in the world.
I think of William Temple today as November 6 is his day of celebration within the Anglican Communion. And I pray that his witness will be continually renewed by others in the church.