I get that a multi-cultural religious congregation is hard. And I’ve said, as a white woman, that it’s been difficult to be a part of a Muslim ummah (congregation) in America. I feel that I don’t have as much of a voice as Muslim-born men from majority-Muslim nations. And that became unacceptable to me. So I went off in search of a place to worship God that would be feminist in its outlook. Definitely left-wing. And, I’ll say it although I’m not proud of it, a place that would feel more culturally comfortable.
But that doesn’t mean that I want a congregation that looks exactly like me: almost all white and majority female doesn’t feel right either. That’s what I’ve experienced at several places here in Lansing, places where social justice is of primary concern. But if social justice is so important to the congregation, indeed, if they’re getting it right, then why are there so few people of color there?
My friend Dragon, whose husband was African American, sums it up concisely. She says white churches just can’t compete. All this staid, up-tight, reserved business just isn’t going to fly for people who aren’t afraid to express themselves. Who want to worship with feeling. Who have ministers who aren’t afraid to tell you what’s what. Hymns that you clap along to. Or dance to. God forbid!
But I feel like I’m really missing something when I look around and the biggest difference between me and the rest of the congregation is that I’m 20 years younger.
And Jim Jones? Yeah, I get that he had problems but he also had a multicultural congregation. If he can do it while ruining people’s lives, why can’t we do it in an effort to form holy community, better our relationship with our Creator, and assist our neighbors?
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