In the last four decades, desegregation has revolutionized almost every aspect of life in the United States: schools, businesses, government offices, even entertainment. But there is one area that remains largely untouched, and that is the church. Now comes a major new call for multiracial congregations in every possible setting—a call that is surprisingly controversial, even in the 21st century. This book looks at relationships between the races in the United States. It notes, however, that a belief persists that racial segregation is an acceptable, even useful practice. The book examines thi ... More

In the last four decades, desegregation has revolutionized almost every aspect of life in the United States: schools, businesses, government offices, even entertainment. But there is one area that remains largely untouched, and that is the church. Now comes a major new call for multiracial congregations in every possible setting—a call that is surprisingly controversial, even in the 21st century. This book looks at relationships between the races in the United States. It notes, however, that a belief persists that racial segregation is an acceptable, even useful practice. The book examines this question from biblical, historical, and theological perspectives to make its case. Chapters explore the long history of interracialism in the church, with specific examples of multiracial congregations in the United States. They cite examples ranging from the abolitionist movement to an astonishing 1897 camp meeting in Alabama that brought together hundreds of whites and blacks literally into the same tent. Here, too, is a critical account of the theological arguments in favor of racial separation, as voiced in the African-American, Latino, Asian-American, Native-American, and white contexts. The chapters respond in detail, closing with a foundation for a theology suited to sustaining multiracial congregations over time.