John Haynes Holmes (1879–1964) was an American Unitarian minister, pacifist, and social activist. A co-founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU,) he advocated for civil rights and social justice.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he studied at Harvard University, earning a Bachelor of Arts (1902) and a Master of Divinity (1904.) In 1907, he became minister at the Church of the Messiah (Unitarian) in New York City. His opposition to World War I led him to leave the American Unitarian Association in 1918, transforming his congregation into the Community Church of New York, a hub for progressive activism.
A vocal supporter of Mahatma Gandhi, Holmes introduced his philosophy of nonviolence to American audiences. His writings include New Wars for Old (1916,) a critique of militarism, and A Statement to My People on the Eve of War (1917,) expressing his pacifist stance. He also co-authored Rabbi and Minister (1942) with Rabbi Stephen Samuel Wise, highlighting interfaith collaboration.
His advocacy extended to Zionism, supporting Jewish immigration to Palestine while promoting cultural rather than political Zionism. He remained active in social movements until his retirement in 1949.
Donald Szantho Harrington’s biography, John Haynes Holmes: Prophet of Peace (1985,) examines his activism, while Richard H. Seager’s John Haynes Holmes and the Idea of a Liberal Religion (1999) analyzes his theological contributions.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by John Haynes Holmes
Priests are no more necessary to religion than politicians to patriotism.
—John Haynes Holmes
Topics: Religion
Society is always engaged in a vast conspiracy to preserve itself – at the expense of the new demands of each new generation.
—John Haynes Holmes
Topics: Society
The universe is not hostile, nor yet is it friendly. It is simply indifferent.
—John Haynes Holmes
No one is wise enough, no nation is important enough, no human interest is precious enough, to justify the wholesale destruction and murder which constitute the science of war.
—John Haynes Holmes
Topics: Peace
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