The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) played an important role in the Civil Rights Movement, and it was deeply influenced by faith. But relying on faith also brought up some big challenges.

1. Challenges of Faith-Based Leadership:

   • The SCLC was built on Christian beliefs, which sometimes made it hard to bring together people who didn’t share those beliefs.
   • Some leaders worried about mixing religion with political action, which led them to question if faith could really motivate change.

2. Internal Conflicts:

   • Leaders within the SCLC sometimes disagreed on how to protest. Some wanted to focus on peaceful methods, while others thought more aggressive actions were needed. This caused conflicts and made it hard to work together.
   • The group also had a tough time connecting with younger activists. The religious speeches didn’t always speak to their desire for immediate action.

3. External Barriers:

   • The SCLC faced strong opposition from those who supported segregation and from a system that was built on racism. This made faith seem weak against the real-life threats they faced.

To tackle these challenges, the SCLC could:

• Create open conversations that include different viewpoints while still honoring its faith-based roots.
• Find ways to connect with younger activists, blending both spiritual beliefs and practical actions for civil rights.
• Work together with other groups that focus more on non-religious activism to reach a wider audience and be more effective in fighting for equality.

By changing its approach, the SCLC can keep its core values while also addressing the differences within a diverse movement.