Silence in the Face of Racism: Exploring the Inaction of White Christian Churches/Churches of Christ During the Civil Rights Movement

Abstract

During the Civil Rights Movement, white members of Christian Churches and Churches of Christ (who made up the vast majority of the movement) took almost no action to support the Civil Rights Movement, despite several prominent adherents advocating for an end to racial prejudice. This silence was due in large part to these writers and speakers simultaneously arguing that new legislation, civil disobedience, or systemic concepts of racism were unhelpful. Instead, they argued that problems of racism in the United States could only be solved through the work of God in individuals, each one solely responsible for their heart. This individualist theology tragically kept almost all members of the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ from any notable participation in the Civil Rights Movement, despite vocal calls for an end to racism and prejudice, and this silence continues today.