Undoubtedly, church fish fries and picnics help build social cohesion. It was at my dad's medium-size evangelical church - my first real exposure to a sustained religious community - that I first saw people of different races and classes worshiping together.

The quote "Undoubtedly, church fish fries and picnics help build social cohesion. It was at my dad's medium-size evangelical church - my first real exposure to a sustained religious community - that I first saw people of different races and classes worshiping together" by J. D. Vance reflects on the unifying power of community events in a religious setting. Vance, known for his memoir "Hillbilly Elegy," discusses how simple social activities like church fish fries and picnics can foster a sense of togetherness and community, bringing people together across different social and racial divides.

Vance's mention of these church events highlights how they serve as informal settings where people can bond, interact, and build relationships outside of traditional worship. These events, often centered around food and fellowship, create a space for people to connect, strengthening social cohesion within the community. The use of food and shared activities acts as a bridge, making people from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed and included.

The quote also points to Vance's personal experience growing up in a medium-size evangelical church, which provided him with his first meaningful exposure to a sustained religious community. He reflects on how this environment allowed him to witness people from different races and classes coming together to worship, which was significant for him. This exposure likely had a profound impact on his views about community, religion, and the potential for people from various backgrounds to find common ground.

In this context, Vance is reflecting on the power of religion and communal activities to bridge divides and create a sense of belonging. His experience suggests that, despite differences in race or social status, shared faith and communal experiences can form the foundation for unity and mutual understanding.