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BAN ON LABOUR PREACHER.
Dean of Gloucester and Canon Donaldson.
DR. GEE “NO STATEMENT TO MAKE.”
In reply to an inquiry on Tuesday, the Dean of Gloucester (Dr. Henry Gee) said he had no statement to make regarding his refusal to allow Canon Donaldson, of Westminster Abbey, to preach in Gloucester Cathedral at the Labour May Day celebration next year.
MR. STODDART ON THE POSITION.
As reported by us on Monday, at Sunday’s memorial meeting to Mr. Arthur Bourchier at the Hippodrome, Gloucester, the Chairman (Mr. S. A. Stoddart) said that probably next year they would not be marching in procession to worship in the Cathedral. They had always had the privilege of choosing their preacher, and for the next May Day celebrations they had chosen a Canon connected with one of the great cathedrals. He was, however, not being allowed to address them in the Cathedral, so they would have to go elsewhere.
“It seems that Christianity is not really a living thing in this country, and that the Church is the home of people who pray with the tongue of the Pharisee rather than people who go with humility and meekness to worship,” said the Chairman. He felt there was as much religion in that meeting as there was in any meeting in any church.
TWO SERMONS IN CATHEDRAL.
Canon Donaldson has twice preached at May Day celebration services in Gloucester Cathedral, in 1920 and 1921.
In an interview, Mr. J. H. Round, Labour Party Agent in Gloucester, said Dr. Gee’s decision was apparently definite, but this would not prevent Canon Donaldson’s appearance in Gloucester, as arrangements could be made for him to address a meeting at the Hippodrome or in the open air.
CANON DONALDSON ON THE POSITION.
“I have not actually received any communication from the Dean of Gloucester, but I know it to be correct that the Dean has declined to accept my name from the Labour and Trades Council of Gloucester as preacher at their annual church parade in the Cathedral on May 6th,” said Canon Donaldson to a representative of the Press Association.
“NO PARTY POLITICS.”
“I was preacher at Labour celebrations in 1920 and 1921 at Gloucester Cathedral. No criticisms or complaints reached me from the Dean or from anyone else then, but I received letters of thanks from many people. Press reports of my sermons show that no party politics were introduced. The addresses were religious discourses, emphasizing parts of the life and social teaching of Christ, especially in relation to the grave problems of our time and the social responsibilities of religious people.
“FOR THE SAKE OF PEACE.”
“For the sake of peace, I wrote recently withdrawing my acceptance to preach next year, but the Labour Council would not allow me to withdraw. I still think, however, that it is far more important that Labour should go to the Cathedral than that I should be the preacher. There the matter stands at present. I may add that I have preached similar sermons in many cathedrals and churches for many years without reproach and without subsequent difficulties.”
Asked whether he would go to Gloucester to preach elsewhere, Canon Donaldson replied: “That depends on the reply I receive from the Trades and Labour Council.”
(Gloucester Citizen, 8th November 1927)
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