User:Molper/sandbox

To add to Atheism in the African diaspora under the heading of Black women and atheism:

Women, in particular, are expected to be active in the church and feel the burden more strongly to be engaged in church life. In many black communities and churches, women are the binding force that holds it together. Women are the people who organize, arrange, fundraise, and make up the greatest number of attendees. A black woman’s social position can be tied to the church.

It is also thought that because women are the main parents in many households and play a large part in passing on culture and socializing children, they are expected to fulfill that role. By turning away from religion, it could be seen as turning away from their duties, their culture, and the religious reproduction of future generations.

To add under the heading LGBT black atheists:

Some criticize the lack of response some black churches have had with the current social issues black communities are facing. For example, gay acceptance is traditionally lower in black churches, as they tend to be more conservative. Many black churches openly oppose homosexuality, or they are completely silent on the matter. Some feel that strict church beliefs interfere with greater social issues affecting black communities. Many black churches have been slow to react to the HIV/AIDS issues affecting black communities. And some say that by stigmatizing homosexuality and HIV/AIDS, it could be making the issue worse for the communities affected. These critics think that since the black church is an integral part of many black communities, the church should be one of the leaders in affecting social justice and change.