While some use divide and conquer tactics to create a rift between the Latino and African American communities in this country, one predominantly black church in Georgia is responding to a recent rise in the Latino population with arms wide open:

It’s an unusual scene for a predominantly African-American church, but the area’s Hispanic population has grown from just 1 percent in 2000, to nearly 9 percent today. And New Birth is acknowledging its new neighbors in a way most historically black churches haven’t.

Long is trying to attract Latino members by hiring a Hispanic band, adding Spanish-language Sunday services, hiring a Hispanic pastor — even by learning Spanish.

“My message has been geared to challenging African-Americans, but I have to be culturally sensitive,” said Long, whose congregation draws more than 25,000 worshippers. “Now, I focus on using biblical principles that are relevant to everyone.”

What a refreshing idea in this age of “modern Christianity” which attempts to drive a wedge between the rich and the poor, the white and the black, the gay and the straight, etc. Many churches across the U.S., black or otherwise, could learn something from New Birth.

Via / Chron.com