top of page

Discrimination in Churches

Part 1

In the IDEAL CHURCH according to God and Christ…

​“There is no longer Jew or Greek [ZERO discrimination because of ethnicity, race, nationality, or political ideology].

An abstract image of two human beings face to face with repeated gradations of brown to the left and purplish tones from the right both evolving to light tans in the middle, an illustration for overcoming discrimination.

“…there is no longer slave or free [ZERO discrimination because of social rank, financial standing, academic preparation or occupation].

“…there is no longer male and female [ZERO discrimination against the male gender or against the female gender, these being the only two human genders created by God].

“…for all of you are ONE in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

In the 21st century, is this IDEAL being fully implemented in congregations around the world?

In this first study, we focus on:

ZERO discrimination in congregations because of ethnicity, race, nationality, social rank, financial standing, academic preparation, against the male gender or the female.

Today, in the 21st Century, is this state of “ZERO discrimination” evident in congregations of marked racial multiplicity? Not just in words, nor as an illusion or goal, but as a reality of everyday life. For example, in Florida, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, California; New York City, Chicago, Atlanta? Where there are many multinational, multiracial, multiethnic congregations in three distinct categories.

Category 1. Those composed entirely of Spanish-speaking Christians. Each one with its own leadership. Also, having its own meeting place, purchased or rented.

​There usually being, in this category of congregations, Hispanics from different countries, is it possible some might discriminate one against another because of their different physical traits, accents, jargons, customs, traditions, etc., or do they all enjoy harmonious relationships, without negative ethnic-nationalistic-linguistic-cultural frictions?

Truthfully, are they "ONE in Christ Jesus?" Their mutual spiritual communion and love overpowering any physical-racial-material-earthly circumstance or condition? Are they “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment?” 1 Corinthians 1:10. Or do certain fluctuating currents of discrimination, perhaps openly

A photograph of a large Spanish-speaking congregation gathered outside their meeting place identified by the Spanish name “Iglesia de Cristo.”

evident or maybe almost
imperceptible, subtract from that perfect unity?

The ideal congregation of this particular category is that one where factors of birthplace and physical upbringing do not result in any discrimination whatsoever.

It is that one where “there is no longer” Honduran nor Venezuelan, Nicaraguan nor Peruvian, Colombian nor Puerto Rican, Dominican nor Cuban, Salvadoran nor Mexican, because ALL are “ONE in Christ Jesus.”

It is that one where “CITIZENSHIP… in HEAVEN” has priority, by far and away, over any earthly citizenship. Philippians 3:20-21

​Category 2 is made up of Spanish-speaking congregations that, having their own leadership and functioning independently, meet in the facilities of an English-speaking congregation, contributing, or not, by mutual agreement, to cover the cost of the building.

​Though there may be a minimum of interaction between the two congregations, each one being autonomous, it is to be supposed there would be a cordial relationship between them, of mutual respect and brotherly, Christian love, without the shadow of discrimination.

Category 3. Mixed ethnic congregations, in which all the members of each congregation form only one congregation under a single leadership, although they speak different languages, some, even many, of the congregants not understanding each other.

In this type of congregation, the Demon of Discrimination has a very favorable arena for his deceitful strategies and astute, pernicious stalking. And that is so, even though the Spanish-speaking, Portuguese-speaking, Haitian-speaking, or those speaking any other language or dialect, meet separately for worship, Bible classes, and other activities.

If the leadership programs, now and then, worship services for all the members together, plus evangelistic works all together, and fellowships all together, with the purpose of projecting their congregation as a single, homogenous spiritual entity, a model of inclusion and perfect unity, the opportunities multiply for the Demon of Discrimination to manifest himself in different negative ways.

​The goal of forming a mixed congregation is praiseworthy. Accomplishing it to a high degree would be an extraordinary feat worthy of the highest accolades. The possibility of such success?

Most assuredly, that would depend on the maturity and spirituality of the leadership, plus the full and deep, spiritual education of each and every one of the members.

A photograph up close of six young adults, men and women, of different races, sitting together for a study of the Bible.

Education directed precisely and persistently toward the designated goal.

The goal perfectly defined for them, and held before them continually, using all effective means of communication available.

Including, for example, an intensive course, for each language group, on full integration into the congregation. Repeated every three months, or other time frame to be determined, for new members, whatever might be their language, dialect, or place of origin.

Not excepting Christians coming from other places, even from nearby congregations, requesting to be received as members.

Preparation for having a highly integrated mixed congregation, where discrimination would shine by its total, or almost total, absence, would begin, it goes without saying, with the leadership itself. With the elders, deacons, teachers, minister or ministers, the secretary, security personnel, and maintenance personnel; in short, with any Christian who would represent the congregation in any ministerial capacity.

For, if any of those who compose the ministerial body of the congregation should harbor feelings of discrimination toward any ethnic-racial-national-language group of the congregation, it would perhaps be hard for him, or her, not to manifest them palpably, especially in some unguarded occasion. By some dismissive or deprecating expression, a furtive look interpreted as coldness, or body language interpreted as rejection. Like being spoken to, but responding curtly, or not at all. Or simply by ignoring such and such an individual or group.

Then, negative observations begin to circulate. “Brother elder so and so… Brother deacon… Brother preacher… shot a cold look at me. I think he is not pleased with our presence here. Looks like he considers us inferior. I really am not feeling much at ease here. Brother elder so and so is very friendly with us, but that other elder is indifferent, unfriendly, cold! How many others will share his hard feelings toward us?”

Regrettably, some people who do not have all the explicitly stated Bible requisites or even basic ones, come to hold ministerial positions in the church. Among them are to be counted those who have not overcome their antipathies, their own personal prejudices, against human beings of other races, nationalities, or ethnic groups. These latter become VICTIMS of their discrimination, plainly and simply because of where they were born, and/or physical traits inherited.

Whatever the justifications, if anyone who ministers is not willing to stop making exception of persons, adjusting his thinking, perceptions, and practice to the magnificent model of God the Father and Jesus Christ, he really should have the sensibleness, integrity, and honesty to renounce his ministry, until understanding arrives, and true repentance drives out completely the Demon of Discrimination.

“God is no respecter of persons.” Acts 10:34 KJ21; Galatians 2:6; Ephesians 6:9

“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.” James 2:1 KJ21

“But if YOU HAVE RESPECT of PERSONS, YOU COMMIT SIN.” James 2:9

In the congregation loyal to God and Christ, “There is no longer Jew or Greek;” no longer Hispanics or English, Central Americans nor South Americans, Haitians nor Jamaicans, Orientals nor Europeans, Indians nor Indonesians. Because ALL are “ONE in Christ Jesus.”

How glorious! What a blessing! What peace and security! What relief and consolation! This is the way it is in the SPIRITUAL KINGDOM of GOD and CHRIST! John 18:36; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 1:13

So then, let no one who ministers the Word of God “give… offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles,” nor any other race or nationality, “neither to the church of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:32

Because the elder (bishop, pastor), deacon, teacher, or preacher guilty of respect of persons definitely “gives OFFENSE,” making himself a tremendous stumbling block to churches of Christ, by hindering and limiting the fulfillment of the Great Commission, as well as causing ill will, strife, and even division in the congregation of mixed races, ethnic groups or nationalities.

Sincerely repenting such a one, as the apostle Peter and the evangelist Barnabas did repent of the same sin (Galatians 2:11-21), he could continue in ministry, perhaps with even more effectiveness by presenting himself as an example of spiritual growth and healthy, positive changes, thus contributing to a congregation free from damaging discriminations.

“A congregation free from discriminations!”

Secure refuge for every soul a victim of painful, unjust discriminations that wear down the spirit of the sensitive human being.

Beautiful creation in the panorama of religious-spiritual organizations on the face of planet Earth!

A safe place where the Christian who is not a respecter of persons can renew himself, relax, and enjoy his wonderful, special relationship with God and fellow Christians.

Your COMMENTS. Emojis available.

Author: Homer Dewayne Shappley

Discrimination in Churches. Part 2. What treatment do minority Christians in a multiethnic congregation expect from church leaders and staff? The satchel of prejudices and discriminations minorities themselves may have. A minority can be as prejudiced, even more, than the majority. Discrimination is vanquished when all concerned achieve spiritual maturity. Some procedures to that end.

Category. Churches

bottom of page