Abstract: The primary aim of this book is to explore the contradiction between the widely shared beliefs in the USA about racial inclusiveness and equal opportunity for all, and the fact that most churches are racially homogeneous and do not include people with disabilities. To address the problem, the book explores the practices of an interracial church (United Methodist) that includes people with disabilities. The analysis focuses on those activities that create opportunities for people to experience those who are ‘different’ as equal in ways that diminish both obliviousness to the other and fear of the other. In contrast with theology's typical focus on the beliefs of Christians, this book offers a theory of practices and place that foregrounds the instinctual reactions and communications that shape all groups. The effect is to broaden the academic field of theology through the benefits of ethnographic research and postmodern place theory.

Keywords: racial inclusiveness, equal opportunity, racially homogeneous, disability, United Methodist, Christians, ethnographic research, postmodern place theory