Today, in the waning days of a century of both unimaginable horror and exalting accomplishments, L.A. s spiritual universe is undeniably robust, with some 600 communities of faith in the city. Everyone likes to think of L.A. as the city of the future, and this holds especially true when it comes to its religious framework. The paradox inherent in this multiform religious landscape is that while it reflects our virtues as a nation, it also brings the fault lines of social existence into sharp relief. The difference today is that the issue isn t framed solely in terms of black and white, but involves a range of complexities and complexions. In essence, the picture is one of a religious community that is clearly fragmented, according to Michael Mata, assistant professor of urban ministries at the Claremont School of Theology, who also heads the Urban Leadership Institute.
Churches function basically as social institutions.
People attend, not only to pray, but to bond and forge relationships. But I would hesitate to say that it s driven by racial animus. Much of it is the result of demographics. But by and large, I ve seen that a number of established churches in town have made outstanding efforts to be more inclusive. This is a defensible assessment, notwithstanding its simplicity.