Final answer:
The General Council's condemnation of racial discrimination was influenced by the historical role of African American churches in civil rights advocacy and the necessity of racial equality in the workforce, which was highlighted during the Second World War and the subsequent socio-political movements led by civil rights activists.
Step-by-step explanation:
The influence on the General Council to officially condemn racial discrimination stems from historical contexts surrounding civil rights movements and the role of African American churches in advocating social justice. The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church founded by figures like Absalom Jones and Richard Allen protested discrimination and supported abolitionism. Throughout history, African American churches have been pivotal in opposing racism, fostering community self-sufficiency, and spearheading political movements. The civil rights era saw more concerted efforts, with organizations replacing banned ones like the NAACP, mobilizing Black churches to further the cause for social justice, and prominent leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. using the pulpit for activism through groups like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).