Oxford Group/Moral Re-Armament records, 1930 -- 1961
Collection context
- Creator:
- Moral Re-armament (Organization)
- Abstract:
- The Oxford Group was the parent organization of Moral Re-Armament (MRA), an organization/movement that sought to defend the nation's freedoms through a resurgence of morality. The collection contains pamphlets, newspaper articles, advertisements, and other publications and materials related to the mission of the MRA, as well as press releases and statements made by MRA on the events happening in the world during the late 1950s.
- Extent:
- 1.75 linear feet (1.75 linear feet; 4 boxes)
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
This collection contains pamphlets, newspaper articles, advertisements, and other publications and materials related to the mission of the MRA, as well as press releases and statements made by MRA on the events happening in the world during the late 1950s.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Moral Re-Armament (MRA) was coined on May 29, 1938 at a meeting for Dr. Frank Buchman's Oxford Group in England. At the time the world was on the brink of war, and while leaders claimed they sought peace, they prepared for war. The Oxford Group did not think that a military re-armament would avoid catastrophe, but a moral one would save the world from calamity. At the First World Assembly for Moral Re-Armament later that year, Dr. Buchman said: "Humanity is at the cross roads. We must reach a final decision for ourselves and for our nations. Do we choose the road of selfishness that leads to uncontrollable violence and darkness? Or will it be the road of the Cross to a sound world, where the ancient virtues of justice, understanding and peace rule under God over a sane humanity?" (The Oxford Group, p. 18-19) The movement gained followers throughout Europe and America, including then Senator Harry S. Truman, who contributed speeches and writings to the group. After World War II, MRA sought to provide moral guidance in light of the Cold War. Communism and the moral evils associated with the movement were regularly targeted in MRA publications. Dr. Buchman passed away in 1961. The work of the MRA ceased in 2001, and was succeeded by another international group known as "Initiatives of Change."
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is open for research.
Onsite storage.
- Terms of access:
-
Some material in this collection may be protected by copyright and other rights. Information concerning copyright, fair use, and reproduction requests can be consulted at Columbia's Copyright Advisory Office.
- Preferred citation:
-
Item description, WAB: Oxford Group Moral Re-Armament records, 1930-1961, box #, folder #, The Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University in the City of New York.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers must book an appointment at least 5 business days in advance to view special collections material in the reading room. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to one item per hour of appointment time.
- Contact:
- burke@library.columbia.edu