Religion: Prelate & Prophet

Many Christians are convinced that the finest Christian leader thus far produced by the 20th Century was William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury when he died in 1944. His faith, courage, wisdom, humor, leadership, humility—and holiness—made him the rare combination of a prelate who was also a prophet. Those who knew Temple will never forget him. For those who did not know him, there is now a fine full-length portrait: Dean F. A. Iremonger's official biography, William Temple (Oxford University Press; 663 pages; 25 shillings).

Temple became the leader and symbol of the surge toward church unity. At one of the meetings that...