The American civil rights movement

• The American civil rights movement: Bruce-

  • Churches provided sanctuary and support
  • Rituals and prayer united members
• Ideological resource: Provided beliefs and practices that protestors could use as support
• Taking the moral high ground: Pointed out the hypocrisy of the white clergy preaching ,,Love thy neighbour”
• Channeling dissent: Religion provides channels for expressing political dissent
• Acting as the honest broker: Provide a context for negotiation as churched are often respected by both sides
• Mobilising public opinion: Campaign for support across the whole country