During Black History Month, I remember with particular sadness that many people of African descent struggle with these questions as well

“How can we get more people of color in our congregation?” Which is a good question to be asking. Unless it’s for the wrong reasons.

An intimidating and ambitious pursuit, yes? It is hard to know where to start when the problem is something so deeply embedded in our society and history. But don’t let the importance of the work scare you off from attempting it.

One the most favorite songs of my youth was They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love. I sang this together with other kids growing up in the New Jersey synod. All of us from different backgrounds

In the past year, I have read more African American writers, theologians, and thinkers than I did in over 25 years of post-high school education. I find this education in history, social sciences, and Christian practice like a beacon of light and hope in a rather dark time of racial and political division in our country.

Twenty-five years ago, the ELCA passed a social statement called Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity and Culture. Today, we remain the racially whitest denomination in the United States. According to a Pew Research finding in 2015, the ELCA is 96% white.

Here are some helpful tips on becoming a more welcoming congregation or worship space.

As a diversity educator, and more importantly as a rare Black member of the country's whitest denomination, I get this question a lot: "How can we get more people of color in our congregation? And how can we make sure they stay?"

Blinders. Intentional ignorance. Wow! How wonderful it must be to live in such a safety bubble of privilege. What joy it must bring to not have to be fearful of pretty much anything.