A Long Reconstruction

A Long Reconstruction explores the Methodist Episcopal Church's efforts to promote inclusivity and justice for African Americans in the aftermath of slavery's abolition. As northern Methodists ventured into territories previously held by their southern counterparts, they successfully attracted a biracial membership that outpaced other Protestant denominations. Despite initial hope for equality and fellowship, the rise of segregation in the South prompted skepticism among some white Methodists regarding African Americans' roles in leadership, challenging the church's commitment to inclusivity while navigating its own internal divisions.