On Race and the Church by Tamice Namae
Race in the church remains a poignant problem in the United States. Not only has it maintained division among protestant and evangelicals but among the Catholic community too. In 2017, the Charlottesville Virginia tragedy shook the Catholic monarch when anti-racist protestors were targeted by Nazi and Confederate supporters. Two years after the Charlottesville incident and the alt right demonstration race relations in US churches remain rife.
In fact, several Catholic bishops in Charlottesville banded together to address racial tensions. This turned out to be a good decisions as churches began to awaken to the reality that for believers of color there is apprehension toward leaders in the church missing the real underlying racist beliefs and attitudes that continue to create barriers within the church.
The issue of race and prejudice in the church in the US is certainly related to matters of moral standing and spirituality. The racial divisions that have become so prominent in the church have been created by the greater divisions among people of all races, globally. Many leaders have allowed themselves to become influenced by international racial tensions, only coming together in times of crisis.
It has never been more important that the US church recognize the true issue of race in the congregation and in its leadership. Only once we are able to acknowledge a problem, can we work towards facilitating change.
The History of Race Relations in Denominations of the Church
It was in the time of colonialism that denominations including Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian and Methodist continued to grow among all race groups. While black and white members joined the congregation, white supremacy remained.
In the 1820s to 1830s, an uprising against white supremacy and privilege pushed towards the South, but it served only to strengthen its racial tensions and racist ideals. The first black ministers and leaders of the church who followed thereafter created their own churches due to continued segregation and bigotry.
Attempts at Unifying the Church
The racial lines noted in the Methodist and Pentecostal churches remain rife in the 21st century. In the early 1990s, religious leaders came together to address the religious lines that remained drawn in the sand, stemming from a history of slavery. Efforts aimed at reconciliation included Minister Donald Evans performing a foot washing ceremony for Bishop Clemmons. Evans asked to receive forgiveness for the sins of their white forefathers who caused ongoing division in the Pentecostal church. It was a powerful moment for all those present.
Although such events are necessary, they are quite rare as Sunday remains the most segregated day of the week. Not only does racial division exist because of a history of segregation but issues of bureaucracy and political influences have reared their head in places of worship as well.
From Presbyterian and Methodist to Pentecostal, there are specific groups of Christian worshipers inclined towards a certain political stance. This indicates a strong connection between our political inclination and our choice of religion.
Why the Issue of Race in the Church Persists
To unify persons of all races, across political bodies and individual beliefs requires much intervention in the US church. A history of slavery in the United States cannot be denied when looking at the issues that permeate today through the many church denominations and its followers.
Toward a Brighter Future
Racial tension is not a 21st century issue it is a biblical one. It is imperative that today we fearlessly and graciously enter into the disciple and the dialogue these issues can provoke so that we as the church of Christ who has broken down the wall of hostility may be a witness in a land torn by hatred and division.