I write to you today with a somber tone. Something I learned in Wimon Walker’s Culture in Christianity (a class which I highly recommend, by the way) has stuck with me since 2000 and has influenced me profoundly.

We read an article in Professor Walker’s class, speaking on the question of “Why is 11:00 Sunday morning still the most segregated hour of the nation?”

So I ask you, why is it? Why are there “black churches” and “white churches?” Aren’t we all praising the same God? Don’t all little children kneel down and raise their eyes towards Heaven at the same God each night?

I am of two cultures, my father is caucasian and my mother is from Peru in South America. The current church I attend is New Light Baptist Church on Treadway and North 6th. I sing in the choir and when I look out into the audience, I know that this is what one would categorize a “black church,” with 99% of those in attendance of African-American heritage.

This troubles me. Why is this?

Professor Walker was concerned about the same, and I remember in that class he encouraged us to go out and attend churches different than the one we currently attended. I didn’t fully understand his concern with it then, but I do now.

I encourage all students, whatever your race, to visit my church. Please put aside any reservations you may or may not have and strive to attend a church that is different from what you may be used to.

If we try our best at this, we can begin to TRULY desegregate this country. If not, we have only ourselves to blame. After all, if those who do not know God see Christians segregating themselves the way that we do, how are they to know what is right? We should lead by example, let’s strive to make a change and desegregate our churches. Thank you.

Heidi Bishop
Senior English major from San Antonio