When the Church Bell Rang Racist: The Methodist Church and the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama

Rating:
Summary: An account of the fight to end segregation
Review: An insider's view of the struggle to end segregation in the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the UMC, Collins' book is filled with stories that were echoed throughout the deep South: personal stories of courage by ministers and laymen whose Christian idealism led them to oppose the institution of segregation in the church. Sadly, it also recounts, despite some structural and administrative advancement, the truth that Sunday morning remains the most segregated hour in American society. A must-read for those interested in the struggle between Christian faith and cultural Christianity in the deep South.

Rating:
Summary: Documents one small part of the struggle for civil rights
Review: During a time when Alabama was a major battleground in the struggle for black civil rights, Collins describes how one white denomination responded to the moral issue of racial segregation. His story is not a pretty one. Collins paints a picture of evasion, resistance, and moral cowardice. In small towns and large cities, Methodist congregations opposed the teachings of their nation organization; ostracized ministers who dared to advocate racial equality openly; withheld funds from religious organization considered too liberal on racial issues; closed their doors to African-Americans; and refused to have any contact with black fellow Methodists. - - Paul T. Murray, Siena College