1 /5 Ashlee Westmoreland: Been trying out different churches with my family in search of a church home. Will never come back to this church. First impression walking in was somewhat welcome. Two women engaged in conversation seemed taken aback at our presence and barely responded when I said good morning. Another man was very kind, inquiring if I needed to check my younger kids into Sunday school which I politely declined. The biggest problem was in service. We arrived a little late and upon entering realized the sermon had not yet started and was relieved because I didn’t want to miss anything instead they were recounting a recent trip they had taken. Both pastors while retelling their experience during an African mission trip made several very offensive and microagressive comments. The most notable ones pertaining to a photo of some of the African pastors and whether they were holding up gang signs, which the entire congregation thought was funny, and other comments regarding the intellectual abilities of the African pastors and how “surprised” and they were that “they were bright they had just never been taught.” In the current climate of the United States it’s imperative that we as Christian help end the divide. I come from a very diverse background I’ve been to many different churches diverse and non- diverse I have never experienced something like this in a church. I sat with my children and felt so hurt and offended while my husband is away serving his country that these are issues still facing our country. Especially, in a church setting where people are supposed to come and feel welcome. Both of these pastors need to have some training on microaggression. We will never return to this church. Thank you Lucy and John for introducing yourself to my family, but the damage was already done by then.
