Lara Rusch ~ 11
congregations in the city. While Catholic churches continue to close in the city they
maintain a large presence in suburban Detroit, with ramifications for a metropolitan
political coalition. This discussion cannot do justice to the diversity of styles, beliefs, or
structures within either denomination. This is especially the case for Baptist
congregations that, through their structural autonomy, can vary dramatically in style and
substance.
6
The important point of this discussion is not to make generalizable arguments
about characteristics of Catholics or Baptists but to show how organizers believe they
must understand and adapt to different contexts. Comparing Catholic and Baptist
churches offered the best chance for this research to illustrate that aspect of the
organizing process. I argue that the diversity of churches requires the work of thoughtful
collaborators, from inside and outside the congregation, to support democratic political
action.
Catholics
Organizers want clergy to use their authority within their congregations to
encourage involvement in community organizing. Organizing work is stymied when
pastors are reluctant or “afraid” to ask their members to do things or to be more active.
7
This can be a problem regardless of denomination depending on the particular pastor’s
willingness to delegate, but organizers expect Baptists to be especially competent at
involving their people in church activities, building teams, and delegating responsibility.
Though contemporary Catholic churches have increased opportunities for lay
6
For a detailed discussion of the history of black Baptists churches in the United States, and the
development of the major Baptist Conventions, see “The Black Baptists: The First Black Churches in
America” by Lincoln and Mamiya (1990, chap. 2).
7
Interview with Victoria Kovari.
Convention