CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (RNS) — Chapel Hill Bible Church seemed perfectly positioned to attract a diverse membership. And for many years it did — boasting that 20% of people attending were nonwhite.

After falling short of earning election to the Chapel Hill Town Council two years ago, Erik Valera is preparing to run again.

Chapel Hill Bible Church seemed perfectly positioned to attract a diverse membership. And for many years it did — boasting that 20 percent of people attending were non-White.