In his work The Black Bourgeoisie, E. Franklin Frazier said that, “Even in their religious affirmations, the descendants of the free mulattoes held aloof from the Negro masses.” Much like fraternities and sororities at the turn of the century, so too was the church divided by skin tone. Those of lighter hues tended to place their religious affiliations within historically white denominations such as Episcopalian, Catholic, and Presbyterian. As history tells it, the Black church had its own paper bag tests. While some churches literally used paper bags, others used the “comb test”, an exercise where a fine tooth comb was used in the hair. If the comb couldn’t pass with ease, the congregant wouldn’t be extended the right hand of fellowship. Similar tests included the door test, where churches would paint their doors the darkest shade of brown allowable to become a member of their congregation.
https://www.unfitchristian.com/colorism-black-church/
