UCANZ HUI Wellington, New Zealand Friday 16 th 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 accept acknowledge acknowledge recognise recognise celebrate celebrate this 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

THREE Demonstrate 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

FOUR Getting 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

FIVE Different 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.