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Ellen G. White addressed the topic of interracial marriage within the context of her time, and her writings reflect both spiritual principles and practical concerns related to race relations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here are the key points from her writings: 1. Spiritual Equality and Christian Love: - Ellen White strongly emphasized that all believers, regardless of race, are equal in Christ. She wrote: "If a colored brother sits by their side, they will not be offended or despise him. They are journeying to the same heaven, and will be seated at the same table to eat bread in the kingdom of God. If Jesus is abiding in our hearts we cannot despise the colored man who has the same Saviour abiding in his heart." (SWk 14.1) - She also stated: "There is to be no special heaven for the white man and another heaven for the black man. We are all to be saved through the same grace, all to enter the same heaven at last." (SWk 55.2) 2. Practical and Social Concerns: - Ellen White acknowledged the social prejudices and difficulties of her era, noting that "the breaking down of distinctions between the white and the colored races unfits the blacks to work for their own class, and exerts a wrong influence upon the whites." (SWk 96.1) - She advocated for separate schools for black and white students in the South, not as a matter of spiritual principle, but as a practical response to the realities of prejudice and to protect the work of the church. 3. Marriage Principles: - She consistently taught that marriage should be entered into thoughtfully, with consideration for spiritual unity, family, and societal influence. She warned against marriages that would bring hardship or hinder spiritual growth, including those between believers and unbelievers (see 4T 504.1, PP 175.1). - While she did not explicitly forbid interracial marriage, her counsel reflected the challenges and potential difficulties such unions would face in her time due to societal prejudice. Summary: Ellen White upheld the spiritual equality of all people and condemned racial prejudice. However, her practical counsel regarding interracial marriage was shaped by the social context of her day, recognizing the significant challenges such couples would face. She urged believers to act with wisdom, love, and consideration for the broader impact of their choices, always emphasizing unity in Christ above all. If you would like direct quotations or more specific references, please let me know! References: - White, E. G. (1898). The Southern Work (SWk), sections 14.1, 55.2, 96.1. - White, E. G. (1881). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4 (4T 504.1). - White, E. G. (1890). Patriarchs and Prophets (PP 175.1).