Arab Americans, Religion, and Racial Segregation in U.S. Churches

What is an Arab?

A person from an Arabic-speaking country.

What is a Muslim?

A person who follows Islam.

Are all Arabs Muslims?

No, not all Arabs are Muslim.

Who are Arab Americans?

People in the U.S. with ancestry from the Arab world.

How are Arab Americans historically defined in the U.S. Census?

As 'white,' 'Asian,' or 'other.'

Are Iranians Arabs?

No, they are not Arab and speak Farsi.

Are Armenians Arabs?

No, they are not Arab and speak Armenian.

Are Turks Arabs?

No, they are not Arab and speak Turkish.

Do Arabs share a religion?

No, Arabs include Muslims, Christians, Druze, atheists, etc.

What is the religious composition of Arab Americans?

Large numbers are Christian, with many Muslims from later immigration waves.

Are Arab Americans considered a racial minority?

Legally counted as 'white,' but socially racialized as a minority.

How have Arabs been racialized in U.S. society?

Stereotypes link Arabs to Muslims and terrorism, seen as foreign and dangerous.

What characterizes the first wave of Arab immigrants?

From Greater Syria, mostly Christian, poor, and often intended temporary stays.

What characterizes the second wave of Arab immigrants?

From all parts of the Arab world, a mix of Muslims and Christians, more educated.

What is the most segregated hour in America?

Sunday morning.

What are some causes of racial segregation in U.S. congregations?

History of racism, white Christian nationalism, social comfort, immigrant churches.

How can a church be diverse but monocultural?

Multiple races present, but white culture dominates.

What do multiracial congregations have in common?

Younger, educated members, located in cities, recently founded, strong leadership.

What is the evangelical 'civil war' over diversity?

A split between those supporting racial justice and those resisting DEI.

How can a more diverse and inclusive Christian landscape be created?

Share leadership, acknowledge racism, encourage multicultural practices, build relationships.