The Lent Book Burning

Racist Curriculum

In late 1968, several ESCRU chapters contacted the Episcopal Church Center in New York about racist and outdated curricula on Africa distributed by the headquarters in connection with its long-established Lenten Mite Box Offering. These materials included pamphlets and brochures produced by the Department of Religious Education and a book published by the Friendship Press, the publishing arm of the National Council of Churches. [Sources]

Example Of Materials Burned

ESCRU objected to the depiction of Africa and Africans in this pamphlet, calling it "patronizing" and "unreal."

Example Of Materials Burned

ESCRU lambasted the condescending tone of the writing, which was meant to promote missionary work in Africa, as representing "the unconscious racism at the heart of our Church."