'Blessed are the Pacifists': E. W. Barnes of Birmingham and Pacifism, 1914–45

Abstract

The contribution of E.W. Barnes, bishop of Birmingham 1924–1953, is dealt with only in passing in the historiography of both pacifism and the Church of England, and then somewhat scathingly. This is somewhat surprising given the durability of his personal absolute pacifist conviction and his clear pastoral role to many leading Christian pacifists of the time. Seeking to remedy this historiographical oversight, this paper traces the origin of Barnes's moral conviction and the measure of his contribution in terms of his interaction with many Christian and non-Christian pacifist individuals and groups in Birmingham and elsewhere against the backdrop of world events. Barnes's contribution requires such reassessment, for though he lacked the common touch and charisma to make a popular leader, his influence upon the movement was manifest. Of particular note is the clear influence of Barnes's eugenics upon his conceptualisation of pacifism.