The Nonconformist Conscience (Routledge Library Editions: Political Science Volume 19)

Nonconformity and socialism: the case of J. G. Greenhough, 1880–1914

“…This revocation of politics, as Bebbington correctly indicated, was linked to the sense that excessive partisanship diluted the spiritual imperatives of the churches. 20 Dissatisfaction with the political role of the free churches was also exacerbated by the emergence of the Labour party and the growing prominence of Christian Socialists in Nonconformist congregations. Greenhough's deep-seated anti-socialism led him to become one of the founding members of the Nonconformist Anti-Socialist Union.…”

“…Initially formed in the eighteen-nineties as vehicles for inter-denominational co-operation, the councils consisted of representatives of chapels in a town or a village and their work largely centred on the planning of temperance demonstrations, school board meetings and evangelistic missions. 51 A national body called the National Council of the Evangelical Free Churches was instituted in 1896 to co-ordinate the activities of local councils. 52 The inaugural meeting of the Leicester and Rutland Federation of Evangelical Free Churches was held in Victoria Road Church on 14 December 1895, and Greenhough was duly elected as its first president in the following year.…”

“…Opposition materialized in the form of protests, public meetings and a passive resistance movement led by John Clifford which refused to pay the portion of the education rate that would go to the maintenance of denominational schools. 114 These efforts were supported by the bulk of the Liberal party in the house of commons, and the controversy provided a rallying point for Liberal unity in the wake of divisions over Home Rule and the Boer War. 115 Liberalism's ability to mobilize Nonconformist outrage at the Education Act, allied to the resurgence of the free trade issue, helped it win a huge majority in the 1906 general election.…”