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Racial Integration in One Cumberland Presbyterian Congregation: Intentionality and Reflection in Small Group

Goings, Carolyn Smith
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3006-0421
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1479350273590395

Abstract Details

2016, Ph.D., Antioch University, Leadership and Change.
Negative attitudes toward racial minorities and consequent maltreatment of non-Whites continue to be a crisis in America. The crisis of racism is still realized in phenomena such as residential segregation (Bonilla-Silva, 2014), health disparities (Chae, Nuru-Jeter, & Adler, 2012; Chae, Nuru-Jeter, Francis, & Lincoln, 2011), and in the not-so-uncommon unjust arrests and imprisonment of persons of color (Alexander, 2012). Improvement in race relations through the development of meaningful cross racial relationships in racially integrated settings is one avenue that may lead to reduction of racism (E. Anderson, 2010; Fischer, 2011; Massey & Denton, 1993). Christian congregations are common settings in America, and Christian teachings are primary sources of Western ethics and moral values. Historically, Christian practices have affected American attitudes such as with regard to elder care, have influenced legislation such as child labor laws, and have even swayed the contents of the United States constitution. Yet, racial segregation has been the norm in Christian congregations from the end of American slavery until today. Since there may be a relationship between the persistence of segregation in Christian congregations and the persistence of racism in America, racial integration in Christian congregations may impact racial attitudes and relationships. Using Participatory Action Research, this study explored ways to improve racial integration and race relations in Christian congregations. This study utilized volunteers in a 30-day exploration of racial integration in a congregation, a small church in one of the two Cumberland Presbyterian denominations. Data from observations, interviews, racially integrated events, reflection sessions, and participant journaling were collected and analyzed. Intentionality in racial integration in one congregation resulted in cumulative positive change, at times difficult and incremental. Findings revealed that adaptive, proactive leadership enabled cross racial dialogue leading to increases in transformative relations and learning. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA: Antioch University Repository and Archive, http://aura.antioch.edu/, and OhioLINK ETD Center, http://etd.ohiolink.edu/etd
Laura Morgan Roberts, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Jon Wergin, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Daniel J. Earheart-Brown, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Craig Keener, Ph.D. (Other)
154 p.
African American Studies; African Americans; American History; American Studies; Behavioral Psychology; Behavioral Sciences; Bible; Biblical Studies; Black History; Black Studies; Clergy; Divinity; Ethics; Ethnic Studies; Minority and Ethnic Groups; Religion; Religious Congregations; Religious Education; Religious History; Social Research; Sociology; Spirituality; Theology
race relations; racial segregation; integration; churches; Christian congregations; participatory action research; Cumberland Presbyterian; leadership; Blacks; Whites; race in churches; segregated denominations; slavery and religion; race and religion;

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Goings, C. S. (2016). Racial Integration in One Cumberland Presbyterian Congregation: Intentionality and Reflection in Small Group [Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1479350273590395

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Goings, Carolyn. Racial Integration in One Cumberland Presbyterian Congregation: Intentionality and Reflection in Small Group . 2016. Antioch University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1479350273590395.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Goings, Carolyn. "Racial Integration in One Cumberland Presbyterian Congregation: Intentionality and Reflection in Small Group ." Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1479350273590395

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

antioch1479350273590395
736
© 2016, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Antioch University and OhioLINK.