The book explores the efforts of Methodist women who changed the values of white women (and through them often those of the white male leaders of society) and increased public support for civil rights for African Americans. These grassroots efforts of women in local church groups helped change attitudes, practices, and even federal policies relating to race relations and civil rights.

Alice Knotts moves beyond the obvious connections between churches and social activists to explore how the Woman's Division of the Board of Missions of The Methodist Church changed racial attitudes of moderate white women. The power and role of the church affected the grassroots character of the movement.

The gospel message linked Methodist women with one another and with other Christians and Jews who heard in the appeal for civil rights a call to include all persons in the human family and demonstrate God's love and justice in tangible ways.