In 1950, The National Council of Churches was formally organized in Cleveland, Ohio. The NCC arose out an obvious need for churches to work together to address the devastating social conditions present in the United States.[1] On June 7, 1963, The General Board of the National Council of Churches voted to establish a “Commission on Religion and Race.” The commission’s purpose was to create a role for mainstream Protestant churches in ongoing racial conflicts. This was the first national effort made by Protestant churches to become directly involved in the nationwide struggle for racial justice.[2] The NCC still continues it’s mission of Christianity unity today and is a leading force in racial justice efforts; they have developed and uphold a new 21st Century Social Creed.[3]

References:

  1. The National Council of Churches. “History.” The National Council of Churches. Accessed February 5, 2019. http://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/about-us/history/.
  2. Findlay, Jr., James F. Church People in the Struggle: The National Council of Churches and the Black Freedom Movement, 1950-1970. New York:Oxford University Press, 1993, pg. 3.
  3. The National Council of Churches. “History.” The National Council of Churches. Accessed February 5, 2019. http://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/about-us/history/.