Missions Group Apologizes to African-Americans

The group apologized after finding that black missionary candidates had been excluded from service. As a symbol of repentance the agency's director washed the feet of black church leaders.

[02.21.08] An international missionary agency issued a formal apology to the African-American community recently after discovering that black missionary candidates in its past were excluded from service.

Founded in the late 19th century, the U.S. branch of Serving in Mission (SIM) denied blacks missionary status in the early 20th century to comply with the concerns of colonial governments in African nations.

This history prompted Steve Strauss, director of SIM USA, to publicly apologize to all African-Americans for the “sinful” exclusionary practice. As a symbol of SIM’s repentance, Strauss washed the feet of three African-American church leaders.