DURHAM, N.C., Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Christian churches in the United States are becoming more integrated, a study by a Duke University sociologist finds.
The National Congregations Survey found more Asians, blacks and Hispanics joining predominantly white congregations, the Raleigh News & Observer reported.
Mark Chaves examined diversity and other features of congregational life.
He found that the percentage of churchgoers in mostly white congregations with some Hispanics grew from 49 percent to 56 percent between 1998 and 2007. In 1998, 38 percent were in congregations with some Asians and 53 percent in those with some blacks, which grew to 44 percent and 61 percent in 2007.
Large congregations are generally more diverse than small ones, Chaves said, especially large Roman Catholic parishes and Protestant megachurches, defined as those with 2,000 or more members.
Chaves found few whites joining predominantly black congregations.
Ron Lewis is pastor of Kings Park International Church in Durham, N.C., which is 40 percent black, 40 percent white and 20 percent Hispanic and Asian.
"It starts with a genuine understanding of who we are as spiritual people," said Lewis. "Our primary identity is God in Christ, not black or white."
