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Here is a recent article written by Natalie Gott, who recently visited at Reconciliation UMC. She reflects on how the church today is called to welcome immigrants.
I particularly found these “Questions to Consider,” located on the website article’s side bar, helpful ones to ponder and pray over for anyone interested in muliticultural and cross-racial ministry:
- Does the presupposition that multiculturalism happens when others flow into white institutions further perpetuate white cultural dominance? Why not whites joining immigrant or ethnic institutions?
- What theological convictions and ecclesiological practices are foundational for churches desiring to become multicultural? Is it necessary to first name and wrestle with stereotypes and power dynamics inside and outside of the church?
- Churches often worry about alienating current members when seeking to attract new ones. This is a legitimate pastoral concern, but what does it say about the proclamation and witness of the church that members default to considerations about their own alienation and discomfort?
G. Kevin Baker 
> Posted by blog owner for Jana H. in Oklahoma. If others are having trouble posting, please notify me by email at kevin@rumcdurham.org This is a particularly interesting question in light of Oklahoma’s crackdown on immigrants, HB1804. It bars illegal immigrants from obtaining jobs or state assistance and makes it a felony to harbor or transport illegal … Read Moreimmigrants. Many churches here vowed to offer sanctuary to those affected by the bill, thus opening churchmembers up to the possibility of felony charges.
>Thanks for raising these questions. As someone who is dreaming of starting a multi-cultural, multi-socio/economic church after Duke these questions challenged me.What is your take, Kevin? Do you think it is feasible to integrate existing churches or are we better off to begin from the ground floor and build intentionally to that end?