The Church, South Africa and Apartheid

A New Approach

In the spring of 1966, ESCRU began moving tentatively away from its preoccupation with southern segregation and towards a more institutional approach to combating racism. The organization targeted companies with holdings in South Africa and asked them to consider the adoption of equal-opportunity policies in their South African plants or to withdraw from the country. John Morris stated, “I predict that this will only be the beginning of pressure on U.S. industry to cease and desist from its partnership with racism in South Africa.” [Sources]

Booklet Published By The American Committee On Africa

A booklet published by the American Committee on Africa, one of the many organizations working to end apartheid in South Africa, March 1964.

William Johnston, ECSA President, 1971

William Johnston, President of Episcopal Churchmen for South Africa (ECSA), talks with Abdurrahim A. Farah (right), Chairman of the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid. A staff member of the U.N. Center Against Apartheid looks on. Johnston testified before the committee in 1971 regarding the South African government's actions against churchmen. Photo courtesy of the United Nations.