Arkansas Woman Says She Was Turned Away From A Church Because She’s Black
A church in Forrest City, Arkansas is accused of turning away a woman because she is Black.
According to KLRT-TV, a viral post from a woman, who goes by the name Donna Mac on Facebook, said she received an invitation to the church but when she arrived, she was subject to two uncomfortable interactions with an older white man and woman.
The Facebook post, which was posted on June 26 and has been shared over 9,000 times, read:
“I’ve never in my 34 years of living witness a church turn someone around because of the color of their skin. Walking up we was met on the steps by the 1st member (older white guy) stated ‘Well what you want to come in for?’ We responded, ‘Church.’ He stated, “Church doesn’t start until 11am. “ (Mine you other members are entering church at this time.) After speaking with the 2nd member (older white lady) I stated, ‘Is everyone not welcome here?’ She stated, ‘We’ve had COLOREDS here before.’ I asked, ‘What do you mean Coloreds? Do you mean Black people?’ Her response, ‘No COLOREDS! When I was growing up we always called them COLOREDS!’ We just looked at her and left! My feelings are so hurt!”
In a follow up Facebook post, Donna Mac responded to criticism of why she wanted to attend a predominantly white church. Mac claimed the church is in a Black neighborhood, where she lives and wrote, “I’ve been raised in Forrest City my entire life and I have never experienced racism to this extent in my very own community.”
The church’s pastor, Steve Walter, addressed the incident during Sunday’s service, KLRT-TV reports. He says she came during Sunday School, which is for everyone and that the incident was a “miscommunication” and a “setback.”
Walter also told KLRT-TV, “The first thing that needs to happen is this young woman and gentleman need to know and hear an apology from us. We need to express genuine repentance, which biblically is a change of mind. It’s a change of emotion. It’s a change of affection and a change of will.”
Pastor Steve Walter claimed everyone at the church is welcomed and they’ve had Black church members in the past.
