Abstract
Shindel analyzes the attitudes and actions of Mennonites in response to American race relations between the years of Reconstruction and the early Civil Rights Movement, or 1890 to 1963. The paper provides an overview of Mennonite history and doctrine relative to American race dynamics, and examines the paradox between Mennonites’ doctrinal commitment to pacifism and reconciliation, and the apparent unwillingness of many congregations to carry that doctrinal commitment out in practice. The evidence used to explain this argument is a collection of primary documents from meetings and conferences, as well as personal accounts from various Mennonite congregants and ministers.