ALEX-ASSENSOH, Yvette M. <br/><br/>
Taking the sanctuary to the streets :  religion, race, and community development in columbus Ohio 

 - Thousand Oaks :  SAGE,  July 2004 
<br/><br/> This study focuses on how institutional, organizational, and political contexts structure the involvement of black churches in the politics of local community development. Interviews with black Baptist clergy in the city of Columbus, Ohio, and analysis of census data are the basis for the discussion. The study shows that despite a general context of exclusion from Columbus mainstream politics, a group of black Baptist ministers have created a strong organizational association used to share information, resources, and expertise necessary to participate collectively in housing, welfare, and community banking issues. The results of this study demonstrate the continuing relevance of the black urban church in helping to ameliorate inner-city problems associated with community development