Struggling to Feel a Sense of Belonging: Experiences of Being Black in a Predominantly White Church

• In Event: Racial and Ethnic Minorities Section Roundtables Session
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table Two: Religious Social-Political Racism and Xenophobia

Abstract

For racialized individuals, W.E.B. Du Bois wrote, the Black Church is the “social centre of Negro life in the United States, and the most characteristic expression of African character.” The Black Church plays a critical role in not only preserving Black culture, but also providing a way for Black Americans to develop their identity behind the veil. But what is the experience of Black Americans who attend a predominantly White church? Double consciousness provides a useful framework for understanding the experiences of Black Americans who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon), as it captures the tension between belonging and racial marginalization within a predominantly white religious institution. Although Latter-day Saint membership across the world is racially diverse, membership in the US has remained predominantly white. This study utilizes a sample of 30 in-depth interviews with Black Latter-day Saints and compares the experiences of participants who live inside and outside Utah. Within Utah, the majority of Black Latter-day Saints often feel like they do not belong in their ward (congregation) and are often the only Black member of their ward. Outside of Utah, Black Latter-day Saints know other Black members in their ward, and most feel that they belong. Both Black Latter-day Saints in Utah and outside of Utah must create their own sense of belonging and community. Many participants shared positive experiences in the Church, but the negative experiences cause deep and lasting wounds that shape their sense of belonging. By examining how individuals navigate the intersection of race and religion, this study contributes to scholarship on racialized religious experiences and broadens understanding of belonging within predominantly white communities.

Authors

• Alexys Comish Anderson, Brigham Young University-Provo

• Lauryn Wilde, Brigham Young University