For all of the racial progress that has taken place over the last 60 or 70 years, one institution stands as a virtual monument of racial segregation: the church. Churches are a strange mixture of private club feel, open door policy and an understanding of who the preferred members are from a racial standpoint. Love thy neighbor, but you may not want him to join your church.
An article by John Blake titled "Why Many American Prefer Their Sundays Segregated" posted August 4, 2008 on CNN’s website, explored the issue of racial segregation in the church and why few integrated institutions survive. It is a fascinating play on comfort zones and racial tensions while religion seems to be in the background.
The Last Private Club
In a way the church is the last private club, even though they have an open door policy. On all sides there seem to be logical reasons why different racial groups get together among themselves to worship the word that comes from the same Bible. One could argue that African American, Caucasian, Asian and Hispanics all worship with different styles.
One would think that being comfortable with the style of worship that has developed over centuries and decades is the rational for Sunday segregation. Of course there could be language barriers involved that bring people together and that is also understandable.
Personal Choice And Prejudices
After reading the article and from personal experiences, it is obvious that church may the last stronghold of the public practice of personal racial prejudice. Does that sound odd? Think about how heated discussions of religion can become. Many feel that their church reflects an extension of personal views and preferences. Things that cause individuals personal discomfort in other aspects of life that are suppressed because of workplace rules and societal norms are brought to the church of their choice buried right below the surface.
If an influx of people come into a church because of shifting neighborhood demographics, this often causes churches in those areas to change over to being majority of the incoming race. The shrinking membership being displaced will move on to another worship center with a makeup to their liking. Many people will tell you very quickly that no one else can tell them where to go to church.
Flashpoints
It seems that the same things that cause friction in life can cause blowups in church. Interracial relationships, racial power struggles and racial stereotyping are in full bloom in the sanctuary with the ability to destroy a thriving ministry.
It seems to boil down to the simplest answer anyone can find. In spite of the Bible teaching about love of your fellow man, churches are segregated because we like them better that way.
