Which is why I said "An institution only needs to be torn down if it perpetuates ideas contrary to our liberation (i.e. white supremacy in the form of a white Jesus/God)." Unfortunately, many (not all) of our churches fall in this category. The problem is, that even the "cultural factors" you talk about are plagued with the same issues. Did you see the thread about calling yourself black/african/african-american? Further, religion brings its own culture, as it is central to the identify of a person...
You know what? If most of our people want to allow all these things like religion and what name to call ourselves to keep them separated, they're doomed because we're quickly running out of time. I am intelligent enough to leave my spiritual beliefs at the door and I've met other Blacks who can do that too. I'm ready to survive and progress, and I've raised my adult daughter to be ready too. So in case the opportunity ever arises, we are ready to unite with whoever is ready. All of these petty differences are for losers.
Brother Keita, right on point... This mirrors my experience in Black Churches as well... There is NEVER a call to challenge White Supremacy by any means necessary... Again, African women will support African men who SHOW and PROVE that we are willing to LEAD... In the absence of any leadership on our parts, then she will follow the lead of the males who REPRESENT what amounts to the only leadership available, these milquetoast preachers, who preach of a better life in some unknown galaxy... In essence, I believe, that a lot of what we are blaming on African women can be laid at the feet of US, as Black men, because they ARE looking to us for male leadership, and the preacher seems the only one providing it.... mho... Peace! Isaiah