Edward Harry Mansfield Waller (Bishop of Tinnevelly, 1915-1923, Bishop of Madras 1923-1941) : a biographical study as a contribution to the theory and practice of ̀Mission' and 'Church'

When Edward Harry Mansfield Waller became Bishop of Tinnevelly in South India in 1915, he entered upon eight years intensive work of diocesan re-organisation. The diocese consisted in CMS and SPG Mission Districts and hence the seat of power was really in London. His policy of diocesanisation brought the centre of control firmly within the diocese and the Indian Church, and the two Missions were united under a system of synodical government. This transfer from Mission to Church is here fully described for the first time, and a study of the events, their reasons and their results, forms the centre of this thesis. (Part 2).
Waller spent his life working for the independence and development of the Indian Church, and his outstanding part in drafting the constitution for the Church of India, Burma and Ceylon and in the negotiations which resulted in the Church o;f South India, was a logical extension of his diocesanisation policy and his vision for the Indian Church. In both cases the facts have been well documented and no major treatment is attempted here, but Waller's particular contribution, and the relationship of this contribution to his diocesanisation policy is discussed. (Part 3).
No study of Waller's life has been made before, and it is fitting that a careful examination be made of the life and work of a man whom the Rt. Rev. Stephen Neill has described as "one of the most brilliant and strongest bishops of modern times". (A History of Christian Missions, p. 528). A full biography cannot be attempted, but his work for an indigenous, free and united Indian Church is considered in the context of his life and times. (Part 1 and passim).
Suggestions towards an evaluation are made in Part 4 and at various points along the way. But a full assessment must be left to those qualified to make it, and the intention here is so to allow facts, people and events to speak for themselves that this may now be possible.