"Kneel-ins"

In the early 1960s the terms “sleep-ins” and “sit-ins” became increasingly popular in the south as African Americans tried desperately to breach racial boarders in their communities. Many consider Rosa Parks, Dred Scott, Sojourner Truth, and many other civil rights leaders, but what about those who dared to step over religious boundaries?

In Tennessee, Geogia, and Texas, African Americans began participating in “kneel ins” at white churches where they were denied entrance. These visits normally came around Easter and were a dramatic display of intolerance. Reactions to these “kneel ins” varied from warm embraces and the sharing of hymn books to dragging the “intruders” out of their seats and carting them off to jail. The churches that were accepting symbolized the unified color of the body of Christ. 

In the case of a youth rally sponsored by the Assembly of God in Memphis, a flyer said the event was “open to all.” However, the underlying subtext excluded African Americans. The young black people that attended were arrested and charged with felonious disturbance of a religious assembly.

Information on “kneel ins” is somewhat difficult to find. However, these events play an important role in deciphering our history of the church. What is deemed a place of acceptance to all was not (and in some case still is not) that way. These “kneel ins” are a small indication of just how important the religious communities are in defining cultural boundaries. Sadly, in some parts of the country, this is still a reality we are facing today. Considering how most communities are centered around the church, this also sets the standard for other issues such as interracial marriage and other forms of discrimination.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. -Galatians 3:28