In America’s long and troubled history with slavery, few institutions carried more influence than the church. From pulpits across the nation, pastors shaped public opinion—some defending slavery as a God-given order, others denouncing it as sin. The result was a divided clergy that mirrored, and in many ways deepened, the nation’s divisions.

Sources:

https://talkafricana.com/how-black-ministers-risked-death-to-preach-the-gospel-during-slavery/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=DeloresOrr/magazine/My+Gaze

https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-01-22/john-harrison-norwich-vermont-1890-murder?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=mkroberson5/magazine/Reference+

https://readcultured.com/the-church-the-klan-and-the-police-e98739f6e7e9

https://religionnews.com/2023/02/27/a-brief-history-of-the-black-churchs-vital-role-in-american-political-history/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=mkroberson5/magazine/Reference+&utm_medium=social

https://ourhistorynow.com/the-divided-pulpit-pastors-who-preached-for-and-against-slavery/