William Temple (bishop) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend and Right Honourable William Temple |
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|---|---|
| Archbishop of Canterbury | |
 |
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| Church | Church of England |
| Appointed | 1 April 1942 (nominated) |
| Enthroned | 17 April 1942 (confirmed) |
| Reign ended | 26 October 1944 (his death) |
| Predecessor | Cosmo Lang |
| Successor | Geoffrey Fisher |
| Other posts | Bishop of Manchester (1921–1929) Archbishop of York (1929–1942) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1909 (deacon), 1910 (priest) |
| Consecration | 25 January 1921 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 October 1881 Exeter, England |
| Died | 26 October 1944 (aged 63) Westgate-on-Sea, England |
| Buried | Canterbury Cathedral |
| Denomination | Anglicanism |
| Spouse |
Frances Anson
(m. 1916) |
| Alma mater | Balliol College, Oxford |
| Signature |  |
William Temple (born 15 October 1881 – died 26 October 1944) was an important English Anglican priest. He held several high positions in the Church of England. These included Bishop of Manchester (1921–1929) and Archbishop of York (1929–1942). He then became Archbishop of Canterbury (1942–1944), which is the most senior leader of the Church of England.
William Temple was the son of a previous Archbishop of Canterbury. He received a good education and briefly taught at the University of Oxford. Later, he became the headmaster of Repton School from 1910 to 1914. After working as a local priest, he became a bishop in 1921. He cared deeply about improving life for workers and bringing different Christian churches closer together. Even though he believed in socialism, he was chosen by the Conservative government to become Archbishop of York. In 1942, he became Archbishop of Canterbury. He died two and a half years later, at the age of 63.
People admired William Temple for his smart writing and inspiring speeches. He always showed concern for people who were struggling or being treated unfairly. He was brave enough to speak up for them to governments both in England and other countries.
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William Temple's Early Life
William Temple was born in Exeter, Devon, on 15 October 1881. He was the second son of Frederick Temple and his wife, Beatrice. His father, Frederick Temple, was the Bishop of Exeter. Later, his father also became the Archbishop of Canterbury.
William's father was 59 years old when William was born, while his mother was 35. Despite the age difference, they had a very close relationship. William later said his father was "the chief inspiration of my life." Even though his parents came from important families and he grew up in grand homes, William was not spoiled. He cared about everyone, no matter their background.
After attending a preparatory school called Colet Court, William went to Rugby School (1894–1900). His godfather, John Percival, was the headmaster there. William later wrote a book about him. At Rugby, he made lifelong friends, including the future historian R. H. Tawney.
University Days at Oxford
In 1900, William Temple went to Balliol College, Oxford. He achieved excellent grades, earning a "double first" in classics. This means he got the highest possible marks in two subjects. He also became the president of the Oxford Union, a famous debating society.
At Oxford, William became very interested in social problems. He helped with the Oxford and Bermondsey Mission. This group provided help to poor people in the East End of London. He also wanted to make sure that smart students from all backgrounds could go to university.
Teaching at Oxford and Repton: 1904–1914
After finishing his degree in 1904, William Temple received many job offers. He chose to become a fellow and philosophy lecturer at Queen's College, Oxford. He stayed there until 1910. His lectures often mixed Greek ideas with Christian themes. He also traveled in Europe, meeting important thinkers.
William had always wanted to become a priest. In 1906, he tried to become a deacon, which is the first step to becoming a priest. However, the bishop refused because William had some doubts about certain religious beliefs. After more study and guidance, he tried again. In 1908, Randall Davidson, the Archbishop of Canterbury, made him a deacon. William became a priest in 1909.
In 1908, William Temple became the first president of the Workers' Educational Association. This group helps make education available to everyone. In 1910, he published his first book, The Faith and Modern Thought. Critics thought his writing was fresh and helpful.
Headmaster at Repton School
In June 1910, William Temple became the headmaster of Repton School. One of his colleagues said that William was not really suited to be a headmaster. He was not very interested in the daily running of the school. However, he was a great inspiration to many students. He made many friends at Repton, and these years were very happy for him.
William himself had doubts about being a headmaster. In 1913, he was offered a job as a vicar in London. This job also came with a position as a canon at Westminster Abbey. However, he had not been a priest long enough for the Abbey job. So, he stayed at Repton for another 18 months. He then became the vicar of St James's, Piccadilly in London.
Life in London: 1914–1920
His new job in London gave William Temple time to write and work on national issues. This was during the early part of the First World War. He worked on the National Mission of Repentance and Hope, which aimed to renew Christian faith across the country. He also campaigned for the Life and Liberty Movement. This group wanted the Church of England to have more independence from Parliament.
In 1916, William married Frances Gertrude Acland Anson. They did not have any children. The next year, he left his job as a vicar to travel and campaign for Life and Liberty. In the same year, he finished his major philosophical book, Mens Creatrix. In 1918, he joined the Labour Party and remained a member for eight years.
In 1919, William Temple became a canon of Westminster Abbey. This made him even more well-known. The Abbey was always full when he preached. It became clear that he needed an even more important role. Towards the end of 1920, when he was 39, the Prime Minister offered him the job of Bishop of Manchester.
Bishop of Manchester: 1921–1929
William Temple became the Bishop of Manchester on 25 January 1921. Many people believed he would be very successful if he focused on his new role. He was seen as a true "Father-in-God" to his diocese. He supported all efforts to promote the work of the Church.
William was very different from the previous bishop. The old bishop was very strict and did not want to divide his large diocese. William saw that dividing the diocese was necessary. He created the separate Diocese of Blackburn in 1926. He was a caring bishop who visited parishes often. He also had wider goals for society and for bringing different Christian churches together.
Manchester was a good place for his social concerns. He was interested in how Christian ideas could improve relationships between workers and bosses. In 1926, during the General Strike, he helped try to find a solution between miners and coal owners. He worked with other Christian groups to promote social improvements. He also invited ministers from other Christian churches to preach in his diocese. This helped bring Christians closer.
Besides his social work, William Temple was also involved in humanitarian and religious efforts. He led important missionary conferences. He also helped to restart the annual Blackpool sands mission. Some people thought he did too many things outside his diocese. However, he wrote many books in his spare moments.
Archbishop of York: 1929–1942
In 1928, the Archbishop of Canterbury retired. William Temple was seen as one of the most likely people to take over. He had support from all parts of the Church. Some worried that the Prime Minister, a Conservative, would not choose a Labour supporter. However, William Temple was chosen. He became the Archbishop of York on 10 January 1929.
His thirteen years as Archbishop of York were very important. He was able to lead on national and international issues. He gave speeches and lectures, visited churches, and led university missions. He also chaired the General Advisory Council of the BBC. Internationally, he lectured in American universities. He spoke at the 1932 disarmament conference in Geneva. He became a recognized leader of the international movement to unite churches. He helped start the World Council of Churches and the British Council of Churches.
During his time as Archbishop of York, William Temple wrote three very important books. These were Nature, Man and God (1934), Readings in St John's Gospel (1939 and 1940), and Christianity and Social Order (1942). Nature, Man and God was called "a fine example of [Temple's] astonishing vigour." Christianity and Social Order tried to combine faith with socialism. It sold about 140,000 copies very quickly.
William Temple also made important contributions to society. He worked on a report about unemployment called Men without Work (1938). He also organized and led the Malvern conference in 1941. This conference discussed how the church and society should work together. It suggested six things for a society based on Christian values:
- Every child should have a decent home and family.
- Every child should have the chance to get a good education.
- Every citizen should earn enough money to support their family.
- Every worker should have a say in their workplace.
- Every citizen should have enough free time, including two days off a week and paid holidays.
- Every citizen should have freedom of worship, speech, and assembly.
Archbishop of Canterbury: 1942–1944
In March 1942, the Archbishop of Canterbury retired. There were some political attempts to stop William Temple from becoming the next archbishop. He knew that some of his recent statements were not popular in political circles. However, most people wanted him to succeed. The Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, knew William Temple's political views. But he agreed that Temple was the best person for the job. William Temple became Archbishop of Canterbury on 23 April 1942.
In March 1943, Temple spoke in the House of Lords. He urged action against the terrible things being done by Nazi Germany. In 1944, he faced some criticism from his Quaker friends. This was because he wrote an introduction to a book that did not condemn the Allied bombing of Germany. He said he was "not only non-pacifist but anti-pacifist." He believed that people who refused to fight must accept the consequences if evil like Hitler's was not stopped.
William Temple also helped to complete the work of a previous archbishop. This work was about reforming Britain's education system. Earlier efforts had failed because different church groups disagreed. But by the 1940s, these disagreements were less strong. People trusted William Temple's sense of fairness. He helped to negotiate how all church schools would fit into the system. This led to the 1944 Education Act.
During the war, Temple traveled constantly around England. He often gave several speeches in one day. He had suffered from gout his whole life. The heavy workload made it worse. In October 1944, he was taken to a hotel to rest. He died of a heart attack on 26 October, at the age of 63. His funeral was held in Canterbury Cathedral. He was the first Archbishop of Canterbury to be cremated. His ashes were buried in the cloister at Canterbury Cathedral, next to his father's grave.
William Temple's Legacy
After William Temple's death, many people praised him. Tributes came from leaders of the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church, and other Christian groups. The Chief Rabbi said, "Dr Temple was a great power for good... Israel has lost a true friend and humanity a valiant champion." President Roosevelt of the United States sent his sympathy. He said Temple had a "profound influence throughout the world."
Bishop George Bell wrote that William Temple was one of the greatest teachers to be Archbishop of Canterbury. Even though he was only in the role for two and a half years, his influence was huge. He made a big impact on social justice in Britain. He also influenced the Christian Church worldwide and international relations.
One lasting memorial to William Temple is the William Temple Foundation in Manchester. This center helps people learn about Christian faith and service in cities.
William Temple is honored by the Church of England and the Episcopal Church. His feast day is celebrated on 6 November.
William Temple's Books
- The Faith and Modern Thought (1910)
- The Nature of Personality (1911)
- The Kingdom of God (1914)
- Studies In The Spirit And Truth Of Christianity (1914)
- Church and Nation (1915)
- Mens Creatrix (1917)
- Fellowship with God (1920)
- Life of Bishop Percival (1921)
- Plato and Christianity (1916)
- Personal Religion and the Life of Fellowship (1926)
- Christus Veritas (1924)
- Christianity and the State (1928)
- Christian Faith and life (1931)
- Nature, Man and God (1934)
- Men Without Work (1938)
- Readings in St John's Gospel (1939/1940)
- Christianity and Social Order (1942)
- The Church Looks Forward (1944)
