The one distinct feature of our association has been the right of individual opinion for every member. We have been beset at each step with the cry that somebody was injuring the cause by the expression of sentiments which differed from those held by the majority. The religious persecution of the ages has been carried on under what was claimed to be the command of God. I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires. All the way along the history of our movement there has been this same contest on account of religious theories. Forty years ago one of our noblest men [Phillips] said to me, “You would be better never [to] hold another convention than allow Ernestine L. Rose on your platform;” because that eloquent woman, who ever stood for justice and freedom, did not believe in the plenary inspiration of the Bible. Did we banish Mrs. Rose? No, indeed!
~ Susan B.
Anthony defending Cady Stanton’s heretical Woman’s
Bible at 1896 NAWSA convention. She
took a rabbit trail to defend Potowski Rose.
The Mrs. Rose that Anthony is referencing was controversial
item. In 1854, the Chaplain of Congress forbade
her to give lectures in the Capitol, because of her religious beliefs. The Chaplain admitted that barring her
violated her First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and religion.[1]
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