New York City has always been a worldwide tourist destination. It offers many must-see attractions and landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Central Park. Well, recently there has been an unusual addition to that list of attractions: Harlem churches.
Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (they must spend a fortune on embroidery for choir robes) is one of the oldest black churches in New York State; it’s also one of the many Harlem churches experiencing an increasing number of tourists from all over the world who want to listen to gospel music at a black church.
Don’t they have You Tube in other countries? I’m just saying.
“They want to see what they’ve seen on television,” said Larcelia Kebe, president of Harlem Your Way Tours Unlimited. “They want to see what they’ve seen in the movies.”
Many historical churches are struggling financially and without the influx of tourist income many would not be able to keep up with expenses. “Our building is in need of repair,” church member Paul Henderson said after the service. “We need assistance. They’re helping to sustain us.”
According to an article by the Associated Press, pastors and church members are sometimes conflicted with trying to conduct service while simultaneously accommodating the tourist groups. The reality of the situation is that the tourists are filling pews that ordinarily would be empty.
This is cultural co-option at its best people. Harlem Spirituals, one of the oldest and largest tour operators on a busy Sunday may run up to 15 full buses with ticket prices costing up to $55 per tourist, said Erika Elisabeth, a company vice president.
The tourists are having such an adverse effect that many churches now have rules posted to curb tourist “bad behavior.” Remember when usher’s only had to monitor gum chewers during service? Now the rules include: No photography, no flip-flops, no exiting during the sermon. Ushers have been turned into security agents because they have to constantly patrol for people filming during services and other disrespectful behavior.
Imagine, there you are trying to get your Sunday praise on when some loud tour group comes through peering at you like you are some wild cheetah at Lion Country Safari. I am sure it goes something like this:
Tour Guide: Welcome to Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church where you will see authentic African-American Christians in their natural habitat. To preserve the natural environment we ask that you refrain from any flash photography as it could provoke one of the ushers to ram the vehicle.
Tourist: Which ones are the ushers?
Tour Guide: You will be able to identify an usher by their erect stance, solemn facial expression and distinct all-white markings.
Tourist: When will the singing begin?
Tour Guide: Typically the choir will sing after church announcements and acknowledgement of visitors. You may be approached and hugged by some of the native members during the visitors welcome. Do not be alarmed or confuse this with the ritual of “laying of hands” outlined in your tour guide on page 15.
Tourist: Can we use our travel coupons in the collection plate?
Tour Guide: Your ticket price already includes a donation although many guest feel compelled to offer another donation after the choir sings to help with the ongoing building fund.
Tourist: What do we do if we see someone shouting?
Tour Guide: Do not be alarmed. Remain calm do not attempt to subdue them. If you have a shouter near you, please use the church fans with the black praying hands included in your tour kit until an usher can reach you.
Tourist: Do you think we will see anyone speaking in tongues?
Tour Guide: We cannot guarantee an actual speaking-in-tongues experience, but if we do witness one, you can purchase headphones for an extra $10 for an interpreted live translation.
Is church tourism another way of sharing the gospel — or are folks just pimping the pulpit?
It was nice to stumble on your blog and I have actually enjoyed following your travels and experiences. Thank you for what you do and for inspiring others like me to do the same.
Posted by: adventure tours india | 03/29/2012 at 05:07 AM