| abstract |
What has been the effect of The United Church of Canada's vision of becoming an Intercultural church on the experience of racism within the church? This paper
offers an answer that question. The United Church of Canada in 2012 committed itself to a vision of becoming an intercultural church. This vision came after
many years of work by the church to address the issues of racial diversity within Canada and within the church. Racial justice was at the heart of the movement
to become an intercultural church, although interculturalism was expanded beyond the issues of racial justice alone. In this paper the tool to evaluate the
intercultural vision of the church is the experiences of Black clergy persons.
The faith statements of the church, and in particular 'A Song of Faith,' was presented in 2012 as the theology of interculturalism to guide the church.
Six biblical/theological themes are highlighted and discussed in the paper. These themes undergird both the intercultural vision and offer a framework for a
theology against racism. An overview of the historical journey that led to the vision of an intercultural church is also presented.
Research was done in two parts. In the first part, interviews were done with six Black ministers of The United Church of Canada to discuss their experiences of
racism in the church. The second part of the research tested the understandings of interculturalism and racism of White members in three congregations. These
congregations were led by White ministers, a total of forty-five members participated. Analysis of the data reveal that the effectiveness of interculturalism is
dependent on the extent that congregations (Communities of Faith) seek to become intercultural. I conclude that anti-racism awareness is needed and should be
done intentionally and in tandem with movements to become an intercultural church.
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