Hampton Roads Virginia Civil War Map

Baptists and the American Civil War: March 15, 1864

White Southern Baptist anger continues following the Lincoln administration’s recent decision to allow loyal ministers to assume the leadership of vacant, pastor-less or openly disloyal churches within Union-controlled areas of the rebellion. Baptist newspaper editors decry religious liberty violations and warn their readers of the horrors of black preachers defiling church pulpits. Northern Baptist ministers,…

Civil War States Map

Baptists and the American Civil War: January 14, 1864

In December United States President Abraham Lincoln issued his Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction. The edict signified the formal beginning of efforts to reconcile Southern citizens and states with the Union. Full pardons were extended to persons fighting against the Union, other than upper-level military leaders and Confederate officials. In addition, the proclamation provided a…