Chicago area church fasts from 'whiteness' during Lent, abandons songs written by white people

A Chicago-area church is telling its congregation that it will not be performing any music written by or associated with "white people" during the season of Lent.

"In our worship services throughout Lent, we will not be using any music or liturgy written or composed by white people," reads a post on the website for the First United Church of Oak Park, Illinois.

"Our music will be drawn from the African American spirituals tradition, from South African freedom songs, from Native American traditions, and many, many more."

According to an initial report from Turning Point USA, the church put up a sign promoting what now appears to become  a racially-charged christian religious season, which noted "This Lent we build our worship around the voices of Black people, indigenous people, and people of color."

The sign also read, "Fasting from Whiteness."

Those who observe Lent are historically called upon to fast – or to stop eating or drinking essentially comfort foods and drinks like candy or beer – for roughly six weeks to commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, according to Gospel writings. 

The "open and inclusive Christian Community's" website claims that its members practice and preach "inclusion" by "valuing people of all races, ethnicities, cultural identities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities in every aspect of our congregational life."