September 30, 1842
Here is a long report of a discussion at a recent meeting of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. The issue regards the policy of accepting or rejecting contributions from slaveholders. Centered on the story of a missionary who owned slaves, and who may have set them free, there is a hope expressed that he has done so, though it is not certain. The sentiment is clearly that the missionary should free them. The larger question of the reception of contributions from slave holders is addressed in the context of a firm understanding that the central purpose of the organization is the propagation of the gospel, and they invite all who agree in that purpose to join with them in furthering the work. The issue of accepting contributions from slaveholders is dodged.
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