Religious Conservatives and Outsiders: Determinants of Cross-Racial Ties among White Christians

Abstract

This article analyzes how a congregation's theology and denominational affiliation influence the racial ties of its white members. We posit two distinct pathways. In the first, theologically conservative congregations generate more embedded social ties (measured by number of friendships) than do non-conservative congregations, and more congregation friendships increase the likelihood of cross-racial ties. In the second pathway, congregations not affiliated with historically major denominational families report higher levels of racial diversity, and high levels of congregation racial diversity increase the likelihood of cross-racial ties. Our key methodological innovation is to divide Evangelical congregations into two categories: those affiliated with the historically major families (Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian) and those not (e.g., Pentecostal, Seventh-Day Adventist). Christian groups that join theological conservatism and outsider (non-major) status generate high levels of friendships and racial diversity in their congregations, both of which contribute to cross-racial ties among white members. Analysis of survey data from a national probability sample of white Christians (2006 Faith Matters Survey) mostly supports our hypotheses.

Converting White Christian Congregations to Sites of Anti-racism

“…Because the emancipation of slaves was ultimately the goal for Northern abolitionists, and many did not believe racial prejudice to be a sin, the groundwork was laid for a more racially segregated society than had previously existed. Due to the unwillingness of Whites to worship with Blacks and unequal treatment of Blacks in White churches (Emerson & Smith, 2000), by the nineteenth and early twentieth century, racially separated worship had become a defining characteristic of Protestantism within the U.S., with a few exceptions 5 (Yi & Graziul, 2016).…”

“… 5 Smaller and more marginal religious organizations such as Pentecostal denominations were interracial prior to the 1920s, and some of these denominations remained interracial throughout the twentieth century (Yi & Graziul, 2016). …”