Unearthing History: The Baptist Protest Against Slavery
Jennifer Cromack discovered a significant anti-slavery document in an archive, shedding light on the Baptist church's stance against slavery. Signed in 1847 by 116 ministers, the declaration illustrates the growing anti-slavery sentiment among religious leaders prior to the Civil War. Its uncovering highlights an important moment in history.
- Country:
- United States
In the depths of an archive, Jennifer Cromack made a monumental discovery—a pristine scroll from the 19th century, marking a pivotal stance against slavery by the American Baptist church. Titled "A Resolution and Protest Against Slavery," the document was penned and signed by 116 New England ministers on March 2, 1847, amid rising tensions leading up to the Civil War.
This document's unveiling in Groton, Massachusetts, has filled a significant historical void. For years, its whereabouts were unknown, feared lost after exhaustive searches at esteemed institutions like Harvard and Brown. Not seen since a 1902 publication, the scroll speaks volumes about the North's emerging anti-slavery debate.
Rev. Diane Badger and her colleagues are now working to preserve and authenticate the document. With the list of signatories, including figures like Nathaniel Colver and Baron Stow, the discovery provides a deeper understanding of the era's moral and religious fabric. This invaluable relic not only showcases past struggles but also inspires ongoing dialogues about justice.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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