ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused people worldwide to discuss racial disparities and infectious diseases. In the predominately white United Methodist Church, black denominationalists have mediated impact of the pandemic by providing education, social services, and access to healthcare. This essay explores ways in which black Methodist churches struggle to fulfill the traditional role of assistance when culturally laden mechanisms of worship and gathering when various forces try to prohibit spiritual, social, and financial resources that are necessary for The Church to fulfill the role.
