Black Church in L.A. Welcomes Latino Neighbors

A Black church in Compton is embracing its Latino members, incorporating bilingualism into its ceremonies. New Life in Christ opened its doors to Spanish speaking congregants in the neighborhood two years ago, with the predominantly African-American choir singing hymns in Spanish and English and an assistant pastor to translate sermons. “The people here are incredible,” new member Alondra Miramontes told AP. “You feel like you’re being welcomed into their home.” The coming together of these two in the city of Compton, where Black and Latino gangs have a history of clashing, signifies a move to multiculturalism in Urban centers that mirrors to unifying of minorities around the country.