Final answer:
The claim that the church encourages racist and ethnocentric control mechanisms over people of color or non-Hispanic ethnicities is too broad and requires more nuanced investigation. While historical instances show certain religious institutions complicit in systems of racial control, churches, especially Black churches, often played pivotal roles in civil rights activism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that the church promotes racist and ethnocentric mechanisms to control people of color or non-Hispanic ethnicities is a complex statement that appears to be rooted in historical context and sociological study rather than a definitive public record. Historically, certain religious institutions have been linked with supporting hierarchies and systems of control over various demographics, including people of color.
However, it is important to distinguish between the actions of specific churches or denominations and the broader spiritual community. For instance, in the context of United States history, the role of Black churches was quite significant in the civil rights movement, often serving as organizational hubs and safe havens for activists. Conversely, there were also moments in history where some churches justified slavery using religious doctrine, thereby perpetuating a system of racial inequality.
When discussing contemporary issues, such as those highlighted in the references, wherein Latino shoppers are more likely to experience discrimination, or where Black neighborhoods contend with various forms of societal racism, it is clear that racism is a systemic issue that extends beyond religious institutions. To make a blanket statement that the church encourages racist control would require more thorough investigation, including specific examples and contexts, rather than assuming a universal truth based on select instances.