But without awareness, stereotypes will seep into our behavior. Stereotypes reinforced by superficial encounters generally dissolve when people really get to know others who are different from them. The ELCA, which today has 2.3 percent people of color, is trying to overcome its own hyper-segregation. In 1998 only 564 of its 10,862 congregations had 10 percent or more members of color. The church is starting ethnic-specific ministries, hoping they can become 'bridge ministries' to future multicultural congregations, says Fred Rajan, executive director of the Commission for Multicultural Ministries.
Hospitality is another challenge for creating inclusive congregations.
The church is supposed to be a place where I feel God is saying, 'You are my child. But many people of color who participate in a mainstream service don't feel that way. They also think of God and Jesus as white. So a black, Latino, Asian or other person of color has a harder time fitting in because the worship culture is linked with the idea people have about God. People must first overcome their fear of talking about racism.