Contact: Katie Gumm, Publicist, 573-836-0884, katie@newleafpress.net

OKLAHOMA CITY, Jan. 13, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- It was Martin Luther King Jr. who said Sunday at 11 o'clock was the most segregated hour in America -- and 40 years later this statement still rings true for over ninety percent of churches.

But there is an effort to help change that statement and Oklahoma Christian leaders are hoping the upcoming Church Diversity Week, Jan. 13-19, will open a dialogue about the importance of diversity in the Lord's house.

"Church Diversity Week isn't about a particular church, type of church or movement, but rather a week with a goal of seeing a more unified body of Christ," said Scott Williams, Oklahoma City pastor and author of "Church Diversity -- Sunday The Most Segregated Day of the Week" product page.

According to the research of Sociologist Dr. Michael Emerson, 93% of churches in America are racially segregated.

In October Gov. Mary Fallin signed a proclamation officially recognizing Jan. 13-19 as Church Diversity Week in the State Of Oklahoma. "I'm proud of our state leadership and I'm looking forward to continued momentum around the country," Williams said.

More than 100 churches are celebrating Church Diversity Week across the U.S. and in countries around the world, including Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Peru, Australia and the Czech Republic during Church Diversity Week.

To celebrate Church Diversity Week and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is Jan. 16; Williams will be speaking at Cross Pointe Church in Atlanta Sunday.

"Atlanta holds special meaning in the hearts of many who share the same passion for unity and equality, especially within the church body," Williams said. "I am looking forward to sharing a bold gospel message with the congregants of Cross Pointe Church. Cross Pointe is a multi-ethnic church that embodies the heart of Church Diversity Week and the movement away from segregated Sunday Mornings."

Scott and his wife, LaKendria, will also visit Ebenezer Baptist Church, the church pastored by Martin Luther King Jr.

"The essence of Church Diversity Week is to do what Jesus commands of his followers. This week is a reminder that it's important that our churches have a genuine heart to do as Jesus calls us to in the Great Commission: to make disciples of all nations," Williams said.

Scott Williams served as a key leader and Campus Pastor for LifeChurch.tv. He is the Chief Solutions Officer for Nxt Level Solutions, a consulting company he founded to help businesses, non-profits and individuals with both internal and external growth. Scott is a speaker, strategist, consultant and developer of leaders. He is an avid blogger at www.bigisthenewsmall.com, and leverages social media to make a Kingdom impact. Scott is passionate about leadership development, organizational growth and diversity. He is the author of "Church Diversity -- Sunday The Most Segregated Day of the Week." Scott is married, a father of two, and lives in Oklahoma City.

"Church Diversity: Sunday the Most Segregated Day of the Week" is published by New Leaf Press, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group.

For more information about the book, movement, and/or author please contact Katie Gumm, publicist, katie@newleafpress.net or 573-836-0884.