By Chris Eckl

“Free-wheeling watchdog” is a label frequently used to describe the Episcopal Society for Cultural and Racial Unity (ESCRU), but its soft-spoken director says its activities are simply “responsible militancy.” “We try to make sure the Church practices what it preaches,” said the Rev. John B. Morris, director, “and sometimes toes are stepped on.” ESCRU covers the country. It complains when a church hospital in New York uses discriminatory practices. It complains when a bishop in Florida plans to build a separate Negro church. It complains when an Episcopal school is segregated.

Though he speaks softly, Morris is a writer of burning convictions. In a recent letter reflecting on “black power,” he wrote, “It isn’t sufficient to come charging out as the Bishop of North Carolina did recently when he said that ... ‘there is no place in the Church for the thinking of the Klan or the philosophy of Black Power.’ The fact of the matter is that here are white churchmen in his diocese who espouse the thinking of the Klan -- white supremacy -- whom he has not previously sought to excommunicate. It’s as if a little white racism is alright, but we sure aren’t going to tolerate any Negro anger.”