A remarkable anti-slavery scroll titled 'A Resolution and Protest Against Slavery,' signed by 116 New England ministers in 1847, was discovered in an American Baptist church archive. This document, believed lost for over a century, had not been seen since 1902. It reflects the growing uneasiness of church leaders about slavery, revealing debates prior to the Civil War. The scroll is regarded as the 'Holy Grail' of abolitionist Baptist documents and underscores the commitment of its signers to the safety and freedom of individuals.
The document, signed by 116 New England ministers in Boston and adopted March 2, 1847, was long believed lost forever after historians had searched high and low for it.
It speaks to the thoughts and feelings of church leaders at the time about slavery, and their growing uneasiness.
Reverend Diane Badger described the scroll as the 'Holy Grail' of abolitionist-era Baptist documents, revealing the commitment to keeping people safe.
Many Americans at the time, especially in the North, were 'undecided' about slavery and weren't sure how to respond or were worried about speaking out.
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