White churches historically functioned as agents upholding racist social structures

Evidence

Cone’s vision not only recognized the struggles of Black people as the “point of departure” for a new theology but also called to account the manner in which white churches had been instrumental in upholding the structures of racism. “It seems that the white church is not God’s redemptive agent,” he wrote, “but, rather, an agent of the old society. Most church fellowships are more concerned about drinking or new buildings or Sunday closing than about children who die of rat bites or men who are killed because they want to be treated like men.” — Nikole Hannah-Jones et al., The 1619 Project, 1055

Categorization

• SEED: Cone’s indictment that churches worry more about drinking and buildings than children who die of rat bites is a quotable contrast usable in an essay on institutional moral priority.
• XREF: connects to: White American churches historically worshipped a Jesus who demanded racial hierarchy. — Robert P. Jones, White Too Long: The Legacy of White…, 31; White churches actively constructed, not merely tolerated, white supremacy. — Robert P. Jones, White Too Long: The Legacy of White…, 30; Church membership provided the moral foundation for Jim Crow political power. — Robert P. Jones, White Too Long: The Legacy of White…, 29 (+33 more)