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Racial segregation of churches in the United States is a pattern of Christian churches maintaining segregated congregations based on race. As of 2001, as many as 87% of Christian churches in the United States were completely made up of only white or African-American parishioners.[1]
Racially segregated churches have existed within the United States since before it became a country, and they lasted through the post-slavery era and well into the modern age.[2][3]
There are many reasons for the history and the continued prevalence of racial segregation in U.S. churches, including widespread and systemic racism as well as geographic and denominational differences across branches of various religions.[1][3][4][5] This segregation affects society both on an individual level and as a whole, consequently causing increased racism and segregation outside of the church as well.[4][6] However, segregated black churches have also become a positive space for community issues like civil rights, in addition to offering a respite for black individuals from the racism they face in integrated society.[3][6][7][8]
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- ^ "Segregation in Churches". CQ Researcher by CQ Press. ISSN 1942-5635.
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