A 2016 article by Christianity Today reported that while many white Christians express a desire for racial reconciliation, there is a gap between their intentions and their actions. For example, a study cited in the article found that white evangelicals were less likely to support policies aimed at reducing racial inequalities, such as affirmative action or reparations for slavery.

Furthermore, a 2020 study by Barna Group found that while 79% of church leaders believe that their churches are welcoming to people of different races and ethnicities, only 59% of non-white attendees felt the same way.

These statistics suggest that racism and discrimination continue to be issues within religious institutions, and that more work needs to be done to promote diversity, inclusion, and racial reconciliation within the church community.

The church is supposed to be a place where all believers are welcome, regardless of race, ethnicity, or social status. However, the reality is that prejudice and discrimination still exist in many churches, often leading to the unfair treatment of certain individuals or groups. In particular, the issue of prejudice treatment can arise when a person\’s giftings or talents are overlooked in favour of their skin colour.

It\’s not uncommon for churches to struggle with issues of racial bias, especially in predominantly white congregations. Despite claims of being inclusive and welcoming, some churches may inadvertently prioritise certain people based on their skin colour, even if those individuals do not possess the same level of talent or skill as others. This can result in a number of negative outcomes, including discouragement and disillusionment among those who are being overlooked, as well as a loss of valuable contributions and diversity within the church community.

One reason why prejudice treatment can occur in churches is due to unconscious bias. People may not even realise that they are discriminating against others, as these biases are often deeply ingrained in our thinking and behaviour. For example, a white church leader may unconsciously believe that a person of colour is less capable than a white person, even if there is no evidence to support this belief. This type of unconscious bias can lead to unfair treatment and exclusion of individuals who do not fit the \”preferred\” profile, even if they possess the talent and ability to contribute greatly to the church community.
Another reason why prejudice treatment can occur is due to intentional discrimination. In some cases, church leaders may actively discriminate against certain individuals or groups based on their race or ethnicity. This type of discrimination is not only morally wrong, but it also goes against the teachings of the Bible, which emphasises the importance of treating all people equally and with respect.

Regardless of the reason why prejudice treatment occurs, it\’s important for churches to recognise the issue and take steps to address it. One way to do this is by prioritising the development and use of objective criteria when making decisions about who to involve in various church activities or leadership roles. For example, instead of simply selecting people based on their personal connections or skin colour, churches could create a standardised process for evaluating candidates based on their abilities, qualifications, and experience.

Additionally, churches should make a conscious effort to diversify their leadership teams and other key positions. This can help to ensure that different perspectives and voices are represented, which can lead to more informed decision-making and a stronger sense of community. Churches can also provide training and education to their members on topics such as unconscious bias and diversity, which can help to raise awareness and promote positive change.

In summation, prejudice treatment in churches is a serious issue that can result in the exclusion of individuals who possess valuable talents and skills. Whether it\’s due to unconscious bias or intentional discrimination, it\’s important for churches to recognise the issue and take steps to address it. By prioritising objective criteria when making decisions and diversifying their leadership teams, churches can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all believers. Ultimately, this can help to strengthen the church community and promote greater unity and harmony among its members