Intercultural Ministries

Dialogue and equitable relationships can transform us as individuals and as church. The vision of an intercultural church calls all of us to move to becoming mutually welcoming and racially just communities, and call us toward transformation. Read the articles below for deeper insights into this vision.

Background and Descriptions

• The Cultural Iceberg [PDF: 2 pp/193 KB] NEW
  Culture is similar to an iceberg—only about 10% is visible above the surface. The cultural iceberg is a helpful analogy to explore explicit and implicit aspects of culture.
• Defining Intercultural Ministries [PDF: 2 pp/28 KB]
  Multiculturalism has taught us how to celebrate each other's food, music, clothing, and stories. Interculturalism promises to take us deeper.
• Defining Multicultural, Cross-cultural, and Intercultural [PDF: 2 pp/66 KB]
  What's the difference between multicultural, cross-cultural, and intercultural communities?
• What Is the Intercultural Church? [PDF: 8 pp/84 KB]
  This plain language document describes the intercultural church in a simple, straightforward way, avoiding jargon. It defines interculturalism, gives biblical background, and shares practical examples of what church communities can do.
• We Are Not Alone: Historical Journey of The United Church of Canada's Response to Become an Intercultural Church
  Hyuk Cho, a United Church minister, writes in the International Review of Mission (2011). The article explores visions people of diverse cultural heritages had for the United Church, and relevant church policies. It explores racism, inclusiveness, diversity, and multiculturalism and their implications for becoming an intercultural church.
   

Need for Change

• The Colour of My Skin [PDF: 2 pp/22 KB]
  This deeply personal poem by Omega Bula offers a critique of the way in which society infuses negativity over the colour of one's skin.
• Light and Dark Imagery in the Bible [PDF: 1 p/18 KB]
  Examining our language is one way of seeking transformation as we strive to live into our commitments on racial justice and becoming an intercultural church.
• Room for All—Myth or Reality? [PDF: 2 pp/21 KB]
  A personal reflection on engaging minority voices in the church by the Rev. Michael Blair.
• The Sound of a Church [PDF: 4 pp/35 KB]
  The pain of those who have been marginalized needs to be heard with the heart, not just the head. A reflection by Kim Uyede-Kai excerpted from Fire and Grace.
• The Unspoken Codes of Cultural Empire [PDF: 2 pp/29 KB]
  Within our church, there are many systems of cultural domination. Dismantling empire, and embracing intercultural ministries, is a call to radical inclusivity.

Reflections on Identity

• Being and Becoming Black [PDF: 1 p/24 KB]
  The complexity of naming racial minorities in Canada is a challenge. How does one define "Blackness" in church and society?
• Cultural Storytelling and Oral Tradition [PDF: 2 pp/46 KB]
  Emmanuel Ofori writes of the resilience of the traditional Ghanian stories of Kwaku Ananse.
• Overseas Personnel Reflect on "Hybrid Identity" [PDF: 1 p/20 KB]
  At an October 2009 consultation, United Church overseas personnel share their insights into overlapping cultural identities.
• What's in a Name? Our Multiple Identities [PDF: 2 pp/30 KB]
  How does one define identity—individually, collectively, and as church?

Seasonal Resources: Advent/Christmas

• Speaking of Darkness in Advent [PDF: 1 p/25 KB]
  In the season of Advent, how are we to use imagery of light and darkness with intercultural awareness?
• The Intercultural Nativity Scene [PDF: 3 pp/37 KB]
  The nativity scene is an old, familiar story, but when it is viewed through an intercultural lens, the old story becomes brand new.