Are you colorblind to marriage?

My church has over 90 different cultures from Germany to Puerto Rico to Ghana to China to Israel. Actually, my Pastor and his wife, Colleen, formed Victory World Church; they were very intentional in their pursuit to create a multicultural church family. Even though, many other “white” Pastor told him it would never work in Georgia. That was over 12 years ago. We are now over 5,000 members strong. As a result, its commonplace to see interracial couples throughout our church. However, there are those who still have issues with interracial dating, let alone marriage.

As a kid growing up in New York, at any given time walking down the street you would hear five or more different languages. You work and have lunch with individuals from various nationalities. As an African American, I played hockey at a time when the only thing black on the ice was the “Puck”. I dated young ladies of varying ethnicities and went to school, High School and College with individuals of different races. As a result, I grew up with a very different perspective on race and relationships then most Americans. I thank God for that.

So what’s the big deal about people who really love each other solidifying their love for each other in marriage? Many use the poor case of the Kids. Those opposed to interracial marriage say, “The kids will be confused. They we will be asked, ‘What are you, black, white, Spanish.’”. My oldest daughter Kayla is fourteen and her mother is Puerto Rican. When she was growing up we never pushed her to one side of her heritage over the other. As a young lady, she is beautiful and embraces both her African American and Puerto Rican background.

How does race play out in marriage and relationship? Do you think that interracial couples remain in the minority? Why are so many people, even in the church, against interracial marriage?

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