The percentage of U.S. adults who see racism as a major problem has more than doubled over the last eight years, according to a recent report from Pew Research Center.

A majority of Americans today — 58 percent — say racism is a “big problem in our society,” compared to just 26 percent who said this in 2009.

“When we address it for what it really is, perhaps then we can get to the bottom of it.” — Malcolm Burleigh

Another 29 percent say racism is “somewhat of a problem” today; just 12 percent dismiss it as a “small” or nonexistent problem.

An overwhelming 81 percent of blacks now say racism is a big problem. This represents a sharp increase from 2009, when 44 percent of blacks saw racism as a big problem.

A slim majority (52 percent) of whites agree that racism is a big problem today, up from 22 percent who said so in 2009.

Malcom Burleigh, the newly elected executive director of Assemblies of God U.S. Missions who has served as senior director of intercultural ministries since 2009, says the best way to bring people together is to introduce them to Jesus.

“I often quote what Pastor Tony Evans said because it resonates in my spirit: The real issue is not skin; the real issue is sin,” Burleigh says. “And when we address it for what it really is, perhaps then we can get to the bottom of it.”