Justified by Her Children: Deeds of Courage Confronting A Tradition of Racism

In May of 1958, Virginia newspapers were reporting that the Christ Church, Martinsville, Virginia congregational leadership had declared that their bishop's plan to integrate the summer youth camp "is both illegal and ill-advised" and that they would oppose any "intermingling of the races." Amid this controversy, a quiet revolution stirred among that congregation's young people, uplifted by their youthful, energetic priest, The Reverend Philip Gresham. When these brave young people stood with their bishop in favor of an integrated youth camp their opinion was derided as youthful navet. It was suggested that they focus on their studies and leave such problems to the adults. Rather than discouraging them, their church leadership's humiliating dismissal inspired them to devise a more tangible expression of their position. They would acquire and present a gift, a "peace offering", as a token of their solidarity with their bishop. Racism will not be finally eradicated by one large divisive victory. The wall of racism will be undone brick by brick by the brave deeds of little known men, women, and young people doing the right thing. Justified by Her Children: Small Deeds of Courage Confronting a Tradition of Racism reminds us that evil often masquerades as the accepted way of doing things - and that confronting evil is often seen as opposing the good order of society. Justified by Her Children is written in the hope that readers will gain a better understanding of "how it was," and from that understanding, know better how to deal with "how it is" today.