The Practical Prophet

Book excerpt: As the longest serving and the most influential bishop of Hong Kong during one of the most tumultuous periods in China’s history, Bishop R. O. Hall played a crucial role in the reconstruction of the Anglican Church and Hong Kong after the Second World War. Born in England, the bishop committed his life to building bridges: between China and England; between Hong Kong workers and company management; between the government and the Hong Kong people; and, of course, between the Hong Kong people he loved and the Divine he worshipped. His single-mindedness in pursuing and translating the social theology of F. D. Maurice into practical terms resulted in his enormous contributions to the development of social welfare, low-cost housing, and education in postwar Hong Kong and helped spur its economic and social evolution into a global city. This book highlights the two major controversies during his episcopacy: the ordination of a woman priest during the war and his visit to China during the “Hundred Flowers Campaign.” Based on primary archival and private materials, this book shows that Bishop Hall, whole-hearted in pursuit of his goals for Hong Kong through “love-in-action,” was also multifaceted, with longings, questions, and inner contradictions we all share.