John Murray (abolitionist)

John Murray (1741-1815) was an early American Universalist minister and a prominent advocate for abolition. Born in Alton, Hampshire, England, Murray initially embraced Methodism before converting to Universalism, a theological belief that all souls will ultimately be saved. He emigrated to the American colonies in 1770, settling first in New Jersey and later in Boston, Massachusetts.

Murray's Universalist theology directly informed his abolitionist views. He argued that if God loved all of humanity and offered salvation to everyone, then the enslavement of any human being was a direct contradiction of God's will. He believed in the inherent equality of all people, regardless of race, and condemned slavery as a moral abomination.

While Murray's primary focus was on preaching and establishing Universalist churches, he consistently used his platform to speak out against slavery. He wrote extensively on the topic, arguing from both a religious and ethical perspective. His sermons often included anti-slavery messages, and he actively worked to persuade others to join the abolitionist cause.

Murray's abolitionist activism was particularly significant in the context of early America, when anti-slavery sentiment was not as widespread as it later became. His outspokenness challenged the prevailing norms and helped to lay the groundwork for the growing abolitionist movement that would eventually lead to the end of slavery in the United States. He is considered a significant figure in the history of both Universalism and the fight against slavery in America.