When Dr. King came to Waterloo, IA, none of the Black churches were willing to host him—so a Presbyterian congregation on the wyt side of town hosted him: it has been said there was too much fear of repercussions, justified fear I would say.
I don’t think this was limited to Waterloo. I’m wondering how this has impacted how Black Churches engage today? How safe does it feel to name effective groups/individuals?
I also wonder about a certain ethos I’ve heard in Black churches that goes something like, “What’s going on outside these doors is wearying and troublesome, but we’re leaving that outside: these hours we will focus on worship and praise and thanksgiving that once again God saw fit to wake us up this morning…...”
Just thinking about it…. I recognize there are many layers of complexity, most of which are not fully accessible to me and some of which, not at all.
You're absolutely right, Kathy. Many layers of complexity. It is estimated that only small percentage of Black churches actively participated in the Civil Rights movement (but I don't know how they're defining "actively").
Joseph H. Jackson kept the National Baptist Convention, the largest Black Christian denomination, from overtly participating in the Civil Rights movement (prompting the formation of the Progressive National Baptist Conventions)
Many Black churches supported activists in ways like making meals or providing places to stay. The risks in the Civil Rights movement were absolutely real, though, and that certainly made a difference. Somehow, though, people still perceived the movement as led by the Black church.
The challenge today is to help people see the relevance of the Black church (especially in its organized and congregational form) to the ongoing struggle for civil rights and freedom. I don't have the answers, but I do know it's a question we must ponder.
Having lived in the Deep South for my entire adult life and studying the history of race and the church, I'd say that the results are absolutely applicable. All churches struggle to connect with younger generations and the Black church is no exception. Accurate or not, many young people do not see the church as leading the way in justice movements.
When Dr. King came to Waterloo, IA, none of the Black churches were willing to host him—so a Presbyterian congregation on the wyt side of town hosted him: it has been said there was too much fear of repercussions, justified fear I would say.
I don’t think this was limited to Waterloo. I’m wondering how this has impacted how Black Churches engage today? How safe does it feel to name effective groups/individuals?
I also wonder about a certain ethos I’ve heard in Black churches that goes something like, “What’s going on outside these doors is wearying and troublesome, but we’re leaving that outside: these hours we will focus on worship and praise and thanksgiving that once again God saw fit to wake us up this morning…...”
Just thinking about it…. I recognize there are many layers of complexity, most of which are not fully accessible to me and some of which, not at all.
You're absolutely right, Kathy. Many layers of complexity. It is estimated that only small percentage of Black churches actively participated in the Civil Rights movement (but I don't know how they're defining "actively").
Joseph H. Jackson kept the National Baptist Convention, the largest Black Christian denomination, from overtly participating in the Civil Rights movement (prompting the formation of the Progressive National Baptist Conventions)
Many Black churches supported activists in ways like making meals or providing places to stay. The risks in the Civil Rights movement were absolutely real, though, and that certainly made a difference. Somehow, though, people still perceived the movement as led by the Black church.
The challenge today is to help people see the relevance of the Black church (especially in its organized and congregational form) to the ongoing struggle for civil rights and freedom. I don't have the answers, but I do know it's a question we must ponder.
Do you believe that the results are applicable to the Deep South? Pew has an impeccable reputation but the results are jarring.
Having lived in the Deep South for my entire adult life and studying the history of race and the church, I'd say that the results are absolutely applicable. All churches struggle to connect with younger generations and the Black church is no exception. Accurate or not, many young people do not see the church as leading the way in justice movements.
Thanks for the response, Jemar. For what it is worth, Jewish synagogues are having a problem connecting with young people.
David