ucanz hui wellington, new zealand friday 16 th october 2015

UCANZ HUI

Wellington, New Zealand

Friday 16th October 2015

How smaller churches could deal with the

multicultural society we live in

ONE

Celebrate and recognise the diversity

within the church and

the society.

How do we• accept• acknowledge• recognise• celebratethis reality?

By learning our history

By

• learning our history: knowing

what has gone before

• discovering what has

changed:

- how our cultural mix has

evolved

- how our ways of worship

have changed

Then we must:Celebrate the reality of the

multicultural nature of the Church that we belong to and the society we now live in.

How do we do this?

By providing opportunities for various cultures to share each culture by means of:- music- singing- drama- sharing language- preparing and eating special foods - shared worship in multicultural services

TWO

A place where all are welcomed

Offer a creative and inclusive environment

Within a multicultural church

• No church not culture should dominate

• Opportunities should be provided to EVERY church or culture to organise and lead and worship

The church’s style of ministry needs to remain broad enough to minister to all people and groups:

every • culture • colour • ethnicity • gender• theology• sexuality

THREEDemonstrate respect for each and all people and accept them for who they are.

How do we do this?

By • being sensitive to each person’s rights• avoiding any unkind or demeaning words• not making any cultural jokes about a particular culture• giving everyone equal opportunities to participate in conversations and activities

FOURGetting to Know, learn and understand the cultures of the people, their needs and expectations

How do we do this?

By including all cultures in our- school teams or groups- church activities- community support & pastoral teams- sports- choirs or orchestras- prayers for other peoples of the world

FIVEDifferent stripes: seek diversity in leadership

How do we do this?

By • encouraging all cultural groups to offer their skills and experiences to leadership roles• providing training opportunities for all• ensuring fair processes for selection of leaders and representatives• support those in leadership roles to give their best

FIVE: Conclusion

In today’s New Zealand, with

expanding diversity, the multicultural

church is the church which has the best

opportunity to represent God’s vision.