Undercover Racism in the Church: Why Is It Like This?

# **Undercover Racism in the Church: Why Is It Like This?**

The church is meant to be a place of love, unity, and reconciliation, yet throughout history, racism has often been present within its walls—sometimes overtly, but often in more subtle and undercover ways. While many Christians have fought for racial equality, others have used theology to justify discrimination. This hidden or "undercover" racism continues to exist in various forms today, even as churches preach messages of love and inclusion. To understand why this is the case, we must examine the history of racism in the church, how it operates today, and what can be done to address it.

## **I. Historical Foundations of Racism in the Church**

### **A. The Use of Christianity to Justify Slavery (1600s-1800s)**

One of the earliest and most damaging examples of racism within the church was its role in justifying slavery. In colonial America, many white Christians, particularly in the **17th to 19th centuries**, twisted Scripture to support the enslavement of Africans.

1. **Biblical Justifications** – Slaveholders often cited passages like **Ephesians 6:5** ("Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear") to defend slavery. They also pointed to **Genesis 9:25-27**, where Noah cursed his grandson Canaan, falsely interpreting it as justification for Black enslavement.

2. **The Role of the Church** – Many churches in the American South openly supported slavery. For example, the **Southern Baptist Convention** was formed in 1845 explicitly because of a disagreement over whether slaveholders could be missionaries.

3. **Segregated Worship** – Even as enslaved people converted to Christianity, they were often forced to sit in separate sections of the church, and their spiritual experiences were minimized by white congregants.

### **B. The Church and Segregation (1800s-1960s)**

Even after slavery was abolished in **1865**, racism remained deeply ingrained in American churches, especially during the Jim Crow era (**late 1800s to the 1960s**).

1. **The Rise of Black Churches** – Due to discrimination, Black Christians established their own denominations, such as the **African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church** (founded in 1816) and the **National Baptist Convention** (founded in 1895).

2. **White Christian Silence on Racism** – During the Civil Rights Movement (**1950s-1960s**), many white churches remained silent or actively opposed desegregation. Some pastors preached that racial integration was against God’s will.

3. **Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Critique** – In his famous *Letter from Birmingham Jail* (1963), King expressed disappointment with white Christian leaders who condemned civil rights protests but did not speak out against racism.

## **II. The Persistence of Undercover Racism in the Church Today**

Even though overt racism has diminished, undercover racism still exists in subtle forms, including exclusion, racial bias, and silence in the face of injustice.

### **A. Church Segregation in the 21st Century**

Despite the teachings of unity in Christ, the American church remains one of the most segregated institutions. **A 2015 study by the Pew Research Center** found that **more than 80% of American churches are racially homogenous**.

1. **Cultural Preferences or Racial Exclusion?** – Many white-majority churches claim that their lack of diversity is due to "cultural preferences," but in reality, many people of color do not feel truly welcomed.

2. **Tokenism vs. True Inclusion** – Some churches celebrate diversity by inviting Black or Latino worship leaders but fail to give them real leadership roles or a voice in decision-making.

### **B. Racial Bias in Church Leadership**

1. **Hiring and Promotion Disparities** – Studies have shown that white pastors are more likely to be hired for leadership roles, while Black and Latino pastors struggle to get positions in predominantly white denominations.

2. **Microaggressions and Stereotypes** – People of color in white-majority churches often face subtle biases, such as assumptions that they are visitors, questioning of their theology, or expectations to "act a certain way" to fit in.

### **C. Silence on Racial Injustice**

1. **The “Colorblind” Approach** – Many churches adopt a “colorblind” perspective, refusing to acknowledge racial differences. While well-intentioned, this approach ignores the real struggles of racial minorities.

2. **Lack of Response to Social Issues** – When major racial injustices occur—such as the killing of George Floyd in 2020—some churches remain silent, avoiding political controversy rather than standing for justice.

## **III. Why Does Undercover Racism Persist?**

### **A. Fear of Division**

Many church leaders avoid discussing race out of fear that it will divide their congregations. However, avoiding the topic allows racism to go unchecked.

### **B. The Influence of Politics**

In the U.S., political divisions have shaped how churches address race. Some Christians view discussions about racial justice as “liberal” rather than as a biblical call to love one another.

### **C. The Comfort of Tradition**

Many white-majority churches resist change, preferring their existing worship styles and leadership structures rather than making space for diverse voices.

### **D. Lack of Education on Biblical Justice**

Some Christians simply do not understand the biblical basis for racial justice. The Bible speaks strongly about justice, from the **prophets condemning oppression (Isaiah 1:17, Amos 5:24)** to Jesus breaking racial barriers (John 4:7-26, the Samaritan woman).

## **IV. Moving Forward: Addressing Racism in the Church**

### **A. Acknowledging the Problem**

Churches must first recognize that racism—both historical and present—has been a sin within the body of Christ. Confession and repentance are key to moving forward (**1 John 1:9**).

### **B. Pursuing True Racial Reconciliation**

1. **Building Multiracial Churches** – Creating diverse congregations where all voices are valued and included.

2. **Encouraging Cross-Cultural Friendships** – Personal relationships help break down racial barriers.

### **C. Preaching and Teaching on Biblical Justice**

Pastors must boldly preach against racism, emphasizing that God’s kingdom includes people from every nation and background (**Revelation 7:9**).

### **D. Supporting Leaders of Color**

Churches should mentor and promote Black, Latino, Asian, and Indigenous Christian leaders, ensuring equal opportunities in leadership.

### **E. Speaking Out Against Injustice**

The church must not remain silent in the face of racial injustice. As **Proverbs 31:8-9** says, *"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves... defend the rights of the poor and needy."*

## **Conclusion**

Undercover racism in the church remains an issue because of historical roots, fear of division, and a reluctance to address uncomfortable truths. However, the Gospel calls Christians to love one another deeply and to seek justice. Jesus broke racial and social barriers, and His followers must do the same.

By acknowledging racism, actively working toward racial reconciliation, and ensuring true inclusivity, the church can reflect the heart of God’s kingdom—a place where all people, regardless of race, are truly welcomed and valued.