A white supremacist Christian organization founded by members of the KKK
Religion: Christianity
Denomination: Christian Identity
Founded: 1971
Location: United States
Other Names: ACS, Assembly of Christian Soldiers of the Kingdom of God
The Assembly of Christian Soldiers is a Christian organization known for its militant interpretation of Christianity. It emerged in the United States amidst a period of social and political turmoil, positioning itself as a defender of what it perceived as traditional Christian values against modern societal changes. Identified as a Christian Identity church, the church was founded in 1971 by former members of the Ku Klux Klan. At the zenith of its operations, they managed to organize approximately 3,000 members across 16 congregations situated in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. The church was officially incorporated in Alabama in August of the same year by Jessie L. Thrift, a notable former Grand Wizard of the Original Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, which is recognized as a splinter faction of the Klan. This church attracted several well-known Klan members, underscoring its close ties to the organization.
The core ideology of the Assembly of Christian Soldiers is centered around a fundamentalist interpretation of the Christian faith, with a particular emphasis on the literal interpretation of the Bible. They believe in a strict adherence to the teachings of Christianity as they interpret them, often focusing on themes of moral and societal decay. A significant aspect of their belief system is the emphasis on Christian nationalism. They view the United States as a fundamentally Christian nation and advocate for policies and practices that align with their interpretation of Christian principles. This includes opposition to what they see as secular or non-Christian influences in society.
Members of the Assembly of Christian Soldiers are known for their active involvement in political and social issues. They often engage in protests, rallies, and public demonstrations to voice their opinions on various topics, including abortion, same-sex marriage, and the separation of church and state. The group also engages in community activities, often with the aim of promoting their beliefs and values. These activities can include community service, outreach programs, and public speaking events.
The Assembly of Christian Soldiers is categorized within the Christian Identity movement, which espouses a radical interpretation of Christianity, often intertwined with white supremacist and racially segregated ideologies. This movement has historically been associated with various extremist groups and activities in the United States, positioning the Assembly of Christian Soldiers within a complex and contentious domain of American religious and sociopolitical life.
A significant and controversial aspect of the Assembly of Christian Soldiers was its engagement in the 1970s with programs that utilized its tax-exempt donations to support private, all-white segregated schools in the southeastern United States. This initiative is indicative of the group’s alignment with racial segregation ideologies prevalent during the era, blending religious beliefs with white supremacist views. The church’s establishment and activities occurred within a broader context of racial tensions and shifts in the civil rights landscape of the United States, reflecting a confluence of religious identity, racial ideology, and education.
image AI generated
