Emerging Spirit @ The United Church of Canada Emerging Spirit @ The United Church of Canada

This article (free log-in required) in The New York Times shows how new waves of immigration to the southern United States are provoking churches long resistant to change to welcome newcomers - because their Bibles tell them so.

"The Clarkston International Bible Church, which sits along an active freight rail line down the road from the former Ku Klux Klan bastion of Stone Mountain, is now home to parishioners from more than 15 countries. The church's Sunday potluck lunch features African stews and Asian vegetable dishes alongside hot dogs, sweet tea and homemade cherry pie...

"While an outspoken advocate for diversity within his church, William S. Perrin, 75 and a member of the church since 1948, is quick to point out that he is no liberal. He voted twice for President Bush. Mr. Perrin said he advocated for an international church because the Bible told him to...

"Merging congregations has meant compromise for everyone. The immigrants who join the main congregation have to give up worshiping in their native languages. Older Southern Baptist parishioners have given up traditional hymns and organ music...

"Other areas, like the potluck lunch in the gym every Sunday, have required little adjustment. ‘Everybody likes everybody else's food,' Mr. Perrin said."

 

Photo by Jordon Cooper