Do Congregants Truly Endeavor to Integrate the Black Church to Embrace Multiculturalism?
Dana Carson Regent University The Black Church, with its segregated congregations, has long represented the rich tradition and heritage of the Black community, often serving as the center of power, progression, the political, the educational and social foundation, and perhaps most importantly, an oasis in a hostile world for African Americans. The custodians of the Black Church recognize the value of this institution to the Black community and have worked to preserve its place as a pillar of this community. When issues of making the church more multicultural are raised, however, the Black Church is faced with the critical dilemma of giving up what it represents as a segregated institution in efforts to offer a greater appeal to non-Blacks. While Black pastors may promote visions of integrated churches, it could be possible that there are those within the Black Church who might act in ways that either actively or subconsciously deter or hinder integration efforts in order to preserve th
