Mahatma Gandhi's letters to Churchmen and Missionaries

[Much of Gandhiji's correspondence was with members of the clergy in the United States and American missionaries in India. Pacifists, Christian Socialists and other advocates of "social gospel" were attracted to Gandhiji because of his success in persuading millions of people in India to embrace non-violence in their struggle for political freedom and social reform. Though the United States had a long tradition of non-violent action, the pacifists were a small minority. They were conscious of their ineffectiveness during the First World War; Gandhiji's success in India was a great encouragement to them. Several leaders of the YMCA and the ecumenical movement sought Gandhiji's views and his friendship, recognising his great influence on Indian opinion, and his respect for all religions. American missionaries in India were bound by the "missionary pledge" that their missions had signed to obtain permission from the British Government to operate in India. Most of them kept aloof from India's struggle for freedom under the leadership of Gandhiji. But some missionaries were inspired by him and demonstrated sympathy for the independence movement, defying threats and expulsions by the authorities. They contributed to the dissemination of the philosophy of non-violent resistance in the United States. Though their number was small, these progressive churchmen played a significant role in movements in the United States for civil liberties, abolition of racism, opposition to militarism, and protection of the environment. They were also active in promoting sympathy in America for the Indian national movement.]