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This week in Christian history: Oswald Chambers born; Methodist bishop testifies before Congress

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Twitter

Garfield Bromley Oxnam testifies before HUAC – July 21, 1953

Garfield Bromley Oxnam (1891-1963), a prominent 20th century Methodist bishop who voluntarily testified before the House Committee on Un-American Activities in the 1950s.
Garfield Bromley Oxnam (1891-1963), a prominent 20th century Methodist bishop who voluntarily testified before the House Committee on Un-American Activities in the 1950s. | Wikimedia Commons

This week marks the anniversary of when Garfield Bromley Oxnam, a prominent Methodist bishop, voluntarily testified before Congress to deny claims that he was a communist.

Oxnam testified before the House Committee on Un-American Activities during the Cold War, when concerns over communist infiltration in the United States was a major public concern.

The bishop was accused of being a communist in part because of his progressive advocacy on certain issues and purported social ties to confirmed Communist Party members.

After several hours of testimony, HUAC members unanimously concluded that there was “no record of any Communist Party affiliation or membership by Bishop Oxnam.”

“With calm firmness, he expressed outrage that his loyalty and ministry had been questioned,” explained Bible Hub.

“He insisted that guilt by association is not truth, and that Christians must be free to serve neighbors in complex settings without forfeiting moral clarity.”

“His witness encourages believers to pursue truth, refuse slander, and endure examination with a clean conscience—confident that faithful love and truthful speech are never wasted before God.”

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