Vyvyan Donnithorne (16 November 1886 – 10 February 1961) was a British Anglican missionary and bishop who served primarily in China. He is most notable for his tenure as Bishop of Western Szechwan (now Sichuan) from 1936 until his expulsion from China in 1950.
Early Life and Education
Vyvyan Donnithorne was born in Exeter, Devon, England. He received his education at Exeter School before attending Selwyn College, Cambridge, where he studied mathematics. After completing his studies, he was ordained as a deacon in 1909 and as a priest in 1910. He served a curacy in Clapham, London, before feeling called to missionary work abroad.
Missionary Work in China
In 1913, Donnithorne joined the Church Missionary Society (CMS) and embarked on his missionary journey to China. He was initially stationed in Mianyang, in Sichuan province (then known as Szechwan). Over the following decades, he dedicated himself to learning the Chinese language and culture, engaging in evangelism, and establishing and managing educational and medical facilities. His work continued through the challenging periods of the Warlord Era and the early stages of the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Episcopacy
Donnithorne's deep commitment and extensive experience in the region led to his consecration as Bishop of Western Szechwan in 1936. This diocese was part of the Chung Hua Sheng Kung Hui, the Anglican Church in China. As bishop, he oversaw the growth and development of the Anglican Church's presence and infrastructure in his diocese, navigating the significant political and social upheavals in China, including the remainder of the Sino-Japanese War and the Chinese Civil War.
Expulsion and Later Life
Following the Communist victory in the Chinese Civil War in 1949 and the establishment of the People's Republic of China, foreign missionaries faced increasing pressure and restrictions. Bishop Donnithorne was among those expelled from China in 1950, effectively ending his active ministry there. He returned to England, where he continued to serve the church in various capacities and often spoke about his experiences in China.
Death
Vyvyan Donnithorne passed away on 10 February 1961.
References
- Crockford's Clerical Directory, various editions.
- Church Missionary Society Archive, University of Birmingham.
- Lodwick, Kathleen L. The Missionary Enterprise in China: The Records of the Church Missionary Society and the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. Brill, 2013.
- Wickeri, Philip L. The Anglican Church in China: From Mission to Indigenization. T&T Clark, 2007.