What Is Ethnicity?
As humanity’s understanding and discussion of the concepts of race, racism, and antiracism have evolved over generations, so have the words and phrases we use as we continue the work of obeying God and advancing racial justice.
In this “What Is?” series, the General Commission on Religion and Race offers this compilation of concise definitions, examples, and Biblical/theological foundations to create common vocabulary for Christians as we engage in anti-racism work.
Our hope, as you engage this series, is that the learning equips you to move into deeper waters in anti-racism work in your respective context.
Visit the series homepage for more information on other anti-racism resources.
Haga clic aquí para este recurso en español.
Definition:
Ethnicity is a broader term than race. While racial identity narrowly refers to physical attributes that distinguishes many who share a racial identity, ethnicity differentiates among groups of people who may share national origin, tribal heritage, religion, rituals, language, and culture.
Example(s) of Ethnicity:
People with brown skin and tightly curled hair may say their race is “Black.” However, they may be natives of France and speak French as their first language, so that their ethnicity would be French and well as Afro-French. (And if they are from the Democratic Republic of Congo, they have an African heritage affected by colonization.) Likewise, people who say they are white, might be from generations of citizens from Wales and speak Welsh as their primary language—even though they may also be fluent in English and live in the United States. They may describe their ethnicity as Welsh or Welsh American.
Biblical/Spiritual/Theological Framing or References:
Scriptures assert that God created all people in God’s image. The Bible also tells the stories of people who spoke different languages, had distinct dress and practices, and who even disagreed with one another about religious, hygienic, and social practices. Moabites (as in Ruth, daughter-in-law of Naomi), Samaritans (i.e., the “Good” one), for instance, were often derided by Hebrews because of the Moabite origins and customs.
Because people and their faith communities experienced conflict because of ethnic bias, early church writers frequently reminded Christians—regardless of their ethnicity— of their common, transcendent membership in God’s human family.
In that renewal there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free, but Christ is all and in all. … Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. - Colossians 3: 11, 14 (NRSV)
Scripture, then acknowledges and celebrates people of diverse ethnicities as faithful doers who fulfill God’s Word, reiterating the notion that all people are equally sacred, beloved by God, and called to transform the world for Christ’s sake. The early Christian church included faithful Hebrews, Romans, Greeks, Syrians, and Cyrenians, among other groups.
Reflection Questions:
What are the ethnic histories of the people in your neighborhood? Your congregation? What language(s) did/do they speak? What do you know about their religious and social practices, which may differ from your own?
What evidence do you see of earlier ethnic groups who lived in your community? What of their distinct ethnic practices, languages, and rituals do you still see in your community?
What do you know of your own ethnicity? What language(s) are part of your family’s heritage? What ethnic norms and practices do you retain from four generations ago?
How does your ethnicity (or ethnicities) inform your perception of people of ethnicities other than your own?
How does your Christian faith inform your interaction with people of other ethnic groups?
Additional Resources:
Identity Politics and Social Location (from GCORR)
Racial Justice Prayers of Reconciliation (from GCORR)
