Other than the whole “Asian Americans being too diverse to warrant a single voice” argument, it’s never been clear to me personally what role Asian American churches play in the broader Asian American movement or more broader social issues, such as discrimination or economic injustice. On the other hand, the Black church has historically played a major role in the civil rights movement and continues to be a voice for Blacks and their struggle for fairness and equality. MLK, of course, but even Malcolm X when he converted, communicated and instilled on their followers a broader sense of social imperative that came from their respective religions’ moral teachings. In addition, my sense is that Black (as well as Latino) churches have always been integral parts of the local community.

The AA churches I’ve been a part of or have visited seen to be more catered inwardly toward its members, who “commute” from other areas to attend church each weekend, and have no real relationship with the local residents. And with no real sense of duty to the broader society. Having worked on Asian American civil rights issues for about 10 years now, I’ve yet to see any Asian American churches or their leaders get involved. Having been raised in an Asian American church, I can’t say that I’m surprised but am still disappointed.

Do Americans of European decent regard themselves as European American? Only lately I guess but very rarely, and usually they do not. The Italian American experience isn’t comparable to those of the Dutch, or the French. It’s just too freakin’ broad a term. BTW, Falwell, Graham, etc speak on behalf of Christians (the religious right), and without regard for race as they certainly do not speak for white Roman Catholics, Episcopalians, Methodists, Unitarians, and so on.

Anyway, there’s no need for a “representative” to speak on our behalf. Like the Irish and Germans, we are children of immigrants. People who talk about the need for an Asian jesse jackson-type (and God forbid – al shady sharpton) are coming from a ridig perspective that Americans of Asian decent need to fit into this mold that’s shaped by the African American experience (one that is totally different from every preceding group).

As a Chinese American I have a lot of role models! While there are not too many of us, compared to other groups, the Chinese in America have proven over and over again that no one and nothing can stop us from becoming examples of the American success story. Our perseverance is our voice!

Lastly, Southern Blacks do not subscribe to the hatred espoused by other black “leaders” of big urban cities; most do not even want to be associated with them.

We should just continue to work hard and be model citizens in school and the workplace and everything will take care of itself. We do not really need a voice to stand-up for us and criticize other races.

I really don’t want an Asian Jesse Jackson because he has proven to be a poor role-model over the years and has sent the African-American community backwards.

At Q in Atlanta, they deconstructed cultural influence into 7 channels. Not only do we need a public voice that emerges from the church, like you said, but also in media, arts & entertainment, business, education, government, and social sector. So we need the next Oprahs, Bonos, Jack Welchs, Peter Druckers, Obamas, and Bill Gates too.

“He acknowledges seeing himself in a role somewhat similar to the Rev. Al Sharpton or the Rev. Jesse Jackson, African-American leaders emerging from religious roots to take on larger issues.”

let me retract that statement. sharpton and jackson are just figures of the past. i think to myself who are going to be the chris rocks, ophrah winfreys, barack obamas, and russell simmons of the asian american community.

and fwiw, i lost couple supporters once they read that quote. they were scared of sharpton…

For those of you looking for Asian American voices, sermons that addressed the tragedy with sensitivity to the Asian American cultural context, I’ve posted them over at Next Gener.Asian Church – http://nextgenerasianchurch.com/2007/04/23/addressing-the-virginia-tech-tragedy/

Ken, I’m with you on seeing a Asian Christian voice that would represent the entire 34+ ethnicities that are under the broad Asian American umbrella. I think the top 3 Asian groups are Chinese, Filipino, and Asian Indian, but I think I know what you’re getting at A lot of the Asian American Christian dialogue tends to cover East Asians like Japanese, Chinese, and Korean, which I think comes from simply the historical immigration development over time. We do need the full spectrum of East Asians, Southeast Asians, and South Asians in the mix. But just to get one to consistently represent East Asian in mainstream national media, just one for Southeast Asian, just one for South Asian, boy, that’d be something, more than nothing.