Letter 294a

The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien
Letter 294a
Recipient	Michael Tolkien
Date	5 March 1967
Subject(s)	The Catholic Church

Letter 294a is a letter written by J.R.R. Tolkien and published in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien: Revised and Expanded edition.

Summary

Tolkien addresses the current difficulties faced by members of the Catholic Church, saying that these ecclesiastical troubles can be more trying than personal or physical woes. He advocates for loyalty and silence in public discourse as a means to stabilise the Church during turbulent times, echoing the disciples' sentiment of having no alternative refuge.

Tolkien specifically mentions his dislike of Charles Davis, a theologian who left the Church, viewing him as a disruptive force. He draws a historical parallel to John Wycliffe, a 14th century professor at Oxford University known for his contentious views on the Eucharist, which eventually led to his departure from the institution. Tolkien says that this anecdote shows that theological disputes and departures have long been a part of the Churches history.