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Why did Charles Kingsley criticize John Henry Newman in 1864?

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St. John Henry Newman English prelate, theologian, and poet John Henry Newman converted to Roman Catholicism in 1845. He was made a cardinal in 1879.

In 1864, the Anglican clergyman and author Charles Kingsley initiated a public controversy by launching an unwarranted attack on the moral teaching of St. John Henry Newman.1

Kingsley’s criticism was rooted in his broader opposition to the trend toward Roman Catholicism that had emerged from the Oxford Movement. Specifically, Kingsley challenged Newman to justify the honesty of his life and conduct during his time as an Anglican.21

Newman responded to this challenge by writing his Apologia pro Vita Sua (1864), a detailed history of his religious development and opinions. The work was widely praised for its candor and fairness, ultimately helping Newman regain significant national standing.12