Sociology presents a free public lecture by Gerardo Marti - “Have You Seen Our Gospel Choir?” Worship, Music, and the Integration of Races in Multiracial Churches.

DateJanuary 26, 2012
Time3:30 - 5:00 pm
LocationBennett Auditorium
Description“Have You Seen Our Gospel Choir?” Worship, Music, and the Integration of Races in Multiracial Churches.


A public lecture by Gerardo Marti, L. Richardson King Associate Professor of Sociology
Davidson College.

Multiracial churches bring together racial and ethnic groups successfully, and worship is central to all of them. How does race connect with worship music? And could music be the secret to their success? Observation of diverse churches and interviews with over 170 of their members reveal that gospel choirs take a privileged role—even when few or no African Americans attend. The question, “Have you seen our gospel choir?” becomes a point of pride, an indication that the church is firmly committed to the principle of diversity. In the end, the practice of rehearsing and performing congregational music, more than the sound of music itself and regardless of liturgical style, create profound opportunities for building and sustaining interracial community.
Publisherzz (old) Sociology
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