Being a Multicultural Church
Barry Welch, minister at Ashington and our synod's Racial Justice Advocate, reflects on what multiculturalism may mean for us
At General Assembly in 2005, the URC affirmed that it is a multicultural church. This was a statement of fact across our nations, but also a statement of what we need to become in all parts of the church.
Sadly, it became clear at the 2007 General Assembly that the journey will be a difficult one, partly because of practical issues and partly for other reasons. Yet there is a very real feeling of marginalisation within the URC’s minority ethnic groups. Sometimes language is used to or about them which is deeply offensive or at best pastorally insensitive, but I’m sure it’s lack of awareness rather than deliberate racism. How can this be addressed?
The URC has been proactive in trying to help churches explore positively the issue of multiculturalism, and to see what mission opportunities may arise from grappling with the many issues that multiculturalism raises.
There is a “Multicultural Ministry Toolkit” which can be used by a group in the church or individuals. It has a lot of useful background information as well as ideas for group discussion or personal reflection.
There is also a superb URC/Baptist pack called, “We Belong” which helps us explore how we might celebrate cultural diversity and live hospitably, looking at issues of racial justice. I hope it will be well used in our synod where these important issues can be easily ignored because we are a very “white” area. Racism is a very destructive evil that eats away at our society and at us all, leading us to think in ways that need to be challenged positively. Multiculturalism, on the other hand, is a positive and life-enhancing reality that we can all embrace, irrespective of the make-up of the local communities in which we live.
The north east will surely change and become more multicultural in the coming years, but what about the church? Do those from minority ethnic groups feel that we are keen to welcome them and fully embrace them in the life of our churches? Do we make an effort to contact them? Do we care enough that the URC leadership, at all levels, is so unreflective of a multicultural membership and nation? What will be our response to these important issues?
The 2005 Assembly committed us all to working hard towards building a truly multicultural church. It would be easy to assume that because there are so few people from minority ethnic groups in our synod, that this is not a matter for us. But it is! It is a matter for the whole URC, and one that we have committed ourselves to addressing constructively.
In the coming months, I shall be introducing some of the issues in the “Multicultural Toolkit” and “We Belong”. Please read and reflect upon what I have to say, but also give serious consideration to buying the “Multicultural Toolkit” and “We Belong” from the URC Bookshop. Perhaps your churches may be willing to address these issues in your bible study and fellowship groups?
I would be delighted to discuss any issues with you
Barry Welch
Racial Justice Advocate
Contact Barry (01670 812137)
See his Introduction to We Belong - An Ecumenical Racial Justice Training Pack