This is a study booklet composed of essays on community preparation and the role of the churches in school desegregation. One of the essays presents a theological rationale for church involvement. Racial justice and integration in the educational system is the topic of another essay. To add understanding to the constitutional issues involved in school desegregation, a brief review of Supreme Court decisions is provided. Major integration litigation discussed includes Plessy Vs. Ferguson, Swann Vs. Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and Milliken Vs. Bradley. An essay which addresses the role of the churches in quality education discusses central issues and strategies for cities undergoing desegregation. A city with segregated schools undergoes three stages. First is the time before a court has found the city to be guilty of de jure segregation. The second period extends from that original decision until a court of last appeal has ordered a finalized plan to be put into effect by a specific date. Last, comes the time for implementing that plan peacefully. It is suggested that each stage in the progress toward quality education and school integration calls for somewhat different roles. The role that the church takes on at each particular stage is shaped by the strength and commitment of the resources available. An annotated bibliography on desegregation research is included. (Author/AM)