An Observation from in a Black Church

One of the preoccupations of Unitarian Universalism in the last twenty years has been the oft-repeated claim that "11am on Sunday is the most segregated hour in America." It has become a mission of many UUs to try to make this less so.   I have heard endless discussions about "how can we attract more people of color to our services?"

Now, let me get this straight.  We see ourselves in general as people of privilege, "white privilege," and we seek to bring in more people of color as a way of . . .?

As a way of assuaging guilt over the past . . . that somehow if we can have people of color sitting next to us history can be redeemed?

As a way of enhancing our own experience . . . because ethnic people will enrich our mix and make things more diverse?

As a way of sharing . . . letting some people who are different in on some of the privilege?

As a way of justifying our militancy . . . sanctifying our righteous indignation and our steadfast positions on everything from proper use of ethnic songs to "cultural misappropriation" to reparations. 

Let's face it:  the usual UU attempts to attract more people of ethnic and racial diversity is not about any anti-racism, anti-oppression, multiculturalism.  It's either about religious imperialism.  We think we have a message which is superior to what people of color might be getting in their own traditional religious communities and they would be better off with us.  Or it is about our own religious insecurity.  We think our message is insufficient unless we look inclusive.

Now, I have to tell you that in all of my contacts with the traditional Black Churches here in the Conch Republic, including in-depth time with their leaders, I have never heard  one, not one, that was concerned with trying to attract more white people to their congregations. 

You would think that they would want to attract more people who we claim hold privilege and power.  You would think they would see a sprinkling of those who envision themselves as burdened with unfair higher status as a bonus, an affirmation, a blessing.  They might even have a conversation that would go like this, "You know, some of those white folks who might be open to our message are put off by the music and the dancing and the shouting we do, so maybe we ought to tone it down a little and make them feel more comfortable."

But, they don't!!!!!  

Instead, the historic Black Churches focus on their salvific message and the many ways of expressing it.  They are not scanning faces for traces of color or lack thereof.  They are not counting members by race.  They are preaching the message of divinity on earth revealing the universal and eternal promise of wholeness for all people regardless of race.  

I think it is high time that we Unitarian Universalists stop focusing on what we are not and what's wrong with the world and start focusing on what we have to say and what's right with creation.  If we did that, the people for whom our message is liberating will fill our congregations and it won't matter to them or to us what color their skin happens to be or what accent edges their voices. 

I think we have now complete a detailed exploration of a deadend cul-de-sac; it's time to get back on the main road of Unitarian Universalism.