words by Cheryl S. Ezekiel | photo by Getty Images

Dear reader, we live in a world where spurious things have overtaken kindness and truth. This aspect has seeped into sacred places. A church is meant to be a sanctuary - a place of love, unity and spiritual refuge. Yet, for many people of colour, it has also been a site of exclusion, passive aggressions and outright racism. When we talk about racism, we are inclined to always think of the disparity between distinct and larger demographics.

How are we to tackle large world scale problems, if we are unable to solve the disparity within our own races and communities?  

While Christianity preaches that "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28), the lived experiences of many believers tell a different story. 

On that note, focusing on the Indian demographic, they segregate themselves based on their shades - the Aryan and Dravidian descendants primarily. This is also rampant within the Indian Christian community. The shade that is most shunned and oppressed is the one adorned and embraced by Dravidians; Southern Indians and Indians with darker skin tones.

Let’s witness the story of a hardworking man in his 50s, who put his absolute faith in the people of the church. Melissa (we have used a different name for the sake of anonymity) witnessed the abuse and decline of a sexton at her church in Bangalore, India. A man who worked diligently for long hours, but was mistreated due to his dark skin and societal stature.

After an event at Melissa’s church about two months ago, the sexton had apparently informed the Pastoral Committee about his physical discomfort after overworking during the event. They told him to drink water, eat something and take rest. The man pleaded to be taken to the hospital or given a day off so he could go himself, however, they expected him to finish all the work first.

“I saw him pull himself through and just try to finish the work as much as he could, did not expect what I would see the next day”, said Melissa.

While Melissa was waiting for her peers after the event, she noticed someone bent over near the outdoor washroom stalls. At first what looked like someone catching their breath, quickly turned into concern.

She rushed over to see what had happened and found that the sextant was almost unconscious and dreary. She immediately informed the Pastoral Committee about the situation and as she could not hoist the man up herself, she expected someone to help. Surprisingly, they were nonchalant.

Calling an ambulance in Bangalore traffic is a gamble. By the time it had made its way through the city and into the crowded church’s street, it would be too late. Traffic in India is bumper to bumper and stuffed with vehicles - booking a taxi or auto-rickshaw was out of the question. Eventually, one of the committee members seemed to offer help, but, “he told me that he did not want to use his car to take the sexton to the hospital. Because his car might get dirty or about what others would say," she added. 

Baffled by this statement, she somehow managed to book an auto-rickshaw. Soon enough some other church members noticed the situation and helped the sexton into the auto, with someone who could carry him went to the hospital.

The discrimination did not stop there. The pastoral committee that takes care of the church’s employees refused to take the man to a nearby private hospital and insisted that they admit him at one of the hospitals with lower fees and facilities.

After the emergency observation and care, the doctors gave their statement, that he was declared dead.

Melissa implored how she felt guilty due to her age. As a youngster in church, she could not make decisive decisions in community run by certain people who resist positive modern progression and ideas. “He was treated different because he was darker and from a village,” she added. Whatever solace the sexton’s bereaved wife and daughter were offered couldn’t compare to the loss they’ve endured.

A 'good Samaritan' is not someone who helps for a reward or the world to see; they help and do good things when no one is watching, expecting nothing in return and helping because that is humanity and kindness.

The church is built on selflessness, kindness and love. Sadly, certain ignored or normalised facets, like racism, however subtle, taint the sanctity of church. Racism within religious institutions is particularly painful because it contradicts the very notion of religion. A safe space for everyone. How do we find safety when a shared safe space rebukes a few? We may be of different shades, but we all bleed blood red.

The Gospel teaches us to be good and tolerant of everyone and everything. Unfortunately, as humans our greed and ego overpower everything else sometimes. People are scared to talk about the indifference and subtle abuse in places of worship or law. Because who will take a stand with us? Even Judas betrayed Jesus. All we can do is be prudent.

One of the biggest obstacles to addressing racism in the church is denial. Many well-meaning Christians dismiss accusations of racism, responding with; "We don’t see colour here”, “We’re at church, why talk about race?” or, “Don’t be rebellious.”

These responses reveal a fundamental misunderstanding. True unity isn’t pretending differences don’t exist, it’s celebrating diversity within the body of Christ by acknowledging one another and helping when needed. Silence is complicity. 

How can the church and those of us who follow its teachings do better?

We can start by listening carefully to each other, irrespective of our colours. Instead of becoming defensive, church leaders and members must create spaces for people of colour to share their experiences without fear of dismissal. This can be done by hosting open dialogues on race, amplifying the voices of darker skinned people in sermons and leadership and acknowledging historical church complicity in racism (e.g., segregation, slavery justifications). 

Many Christians mistakenly believe racism is only about individual prejudice, ignoring systemic issues. Churches should teach its congregation about redlining, mass incarceration and racial wealth gaps as moral issues.  Understand how a slight change in colour has attuned minds to infer and act differently.

Diversity isn’t just about having a few people of colour in the pews—it’s about equitable representation and fellowship. Too often, pastors from the lower socio-economic backgrounds in India are called to address members of a similar background or just to show that the community is united.

When confronted with racism, the Christ-like response is humility. Instead of saying, “We’re not racist," or turning a blind eye, churches as a whole, including all of their congregations, must acknowledge such experiences, help alleviate such situations and work on being simply kind. We are all humans.

The church cannot claim to follow Jesus while ignoring racial injustice. There are pastors who have done their best to help alleviate this situation and it is the responsibility of the rest of the congregation to follow suit and be better.

It is no different in all countries where there are people who are darker. If we think carefully about racism, the oppressed are always of a darker shade. Those who are fair are considered pure while the rest of us, impure. Why are darker shades, even in colour theory associated with negativity? All that glitters is not gold.

Centuries later, this remains true for many. But there is hope. We are learning and getting better. Albeit slowly, but surely. By listening, learning and actively dismantling racism, the church can become what it was always meant to be—a “True family of God”, where every member is valued. 

For those who have experienced racism in the church: Your pain is valid. For those unaware of their biases: It’s never too late to change. I have experienced racism within my church and the city that raised me. I’m a Dravidian and darker than others. I was not allowed to be a prominent character in school or church events and dramas. I never gave up, I stayed and showed them I am more than my skin with my wit and skills.

Through this article, I hope to encourage you to be proud in your skin. Be bold to stand up for yourself. Always remember, Christianity and the church is for everyone to feel safe, heard and loved. That was the true intention.