$ 24.00

Desegregation of the Methodist Church Polity
Reform Movements That Ended Racial Segregation

Synopsis

In this unique landmark book, W. Astor Kirk, Ph.D. describes and analyzes how blacks in the Methodist Church, "inspired by the civil rights movements in the larger society," established the Committee of Five in 1960 to organize, lead, guide, and direct the anti-segregation movement. The author was a member of that committee, serving as its secretary from 1960 to 1965 and chairman from 1965 through 1967.

This is the first and only book to provide a documentary account of the social-change theories, strategies, and tactics blacks employed in the 1960s to change their religious destiny as members of the Methodist Church.

Author Biography

W. Astor Kirk

A social activist, W. Astor Kirk, Ph.D. desegregated the University of Texas graduate school, where in 1958 he earned a doctorate in political science. He has since enjoyed a distinguished career as a professor and public administrator.

After serving five years on the staff of the Methodist Church’s Board of Church and Society, Kirk was appointed director of Region III of the U.S. Community Services Administration serving under Presidents Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Reagan.

Kirk is also the author of Nonprofit Organization Governance.

He and his wife, Vivian, live in Suitland, Maryland.