Issues in Cultural Sensitivity Workshop

May 17, 2003

Diocesan Ministries Day

Grace Cathedral

Participants: Toni Van Kreidt, Our Savior, Mill Valley; Anne and Zelinda, Incarnation, San Francisco, Michael Music, St. John the Evangelist, San Francisco; Richard Helmer, Christ Church, San Francisco, Vincent Jang, True Sunshine, San Francisco, Gordon Lau and David Lui, Our Savior, Oakland, David Ota, St. Ambrose, Foster City.

After introductions, those present listed different concerns they would like to have addressed in the workshop:

1. How to bridge differences between cultural groups – Toni Van Kreidt

2. Pronunciation of names – Anne

3. Get up to speed and bring people into the church – Zelinda

4. 2000 Census results and beginning a ministry with the people of South India, Bangladesh, or sponsor a priest from Southern India – Michael Music

5. Lack of ethnic clergy – Vincent Jang, True Sunshine

6. How do we deal with ethnicity? Richard Helmer

7. Fear of addressing another cultural group when the neighborhood is changing – Anne

8. Minister to people on other faith paths – Michael Music

9. Inter-marriage – Toni Van Kreidt

10. Web-site for the Asian Commission – Vincent Jang

Written papers on working with Filipino, Japanese and Chinese people were distributed for reading.

The participants then proceeded to address the concerns listed above:

How to bridge differences between cultural groups?

Many people mentioned the sharing of food is a helpful way to begin. However, it is important to remember not to refuse an offer of food that a person offers from their culture, as it might be interpreted as a rejection of their culture.
Offering friendship is the best way to bridge the differences. A relationship of friendship is built on mutual respect and interest.
With most Asian groups, it is important that the host congregation reach out and invite the Asian newcomer. Most Asians respect the authority of others, and would wait to be invited, instead of just plunging in where they have not been invited. This is often true of Filipinos, whose English is often proficient enough to enter most congregations, but will rarely volunteer.
It is important to remember that Asian cultures are shame cultures instead of guilt cultures. In a shame culture, the worst possible event would be to lose face in relationship with others. Asians culture is an honor and shame culture which places emphasis on affiliation and belonging to a group. In contrast, the American and western culture is a success/guilt culture which places emphasis on the individual.
It is important to understand the relationships/events mean different things to people of different cultures. For example, whereas the word “family” may mean the nuclear family in the American and western culture, the word “family” may mean the extended family in Filipino culture. It is not unusual for a Filipino household to have more than the nuclear family living together.
It takes time to understand and appreciate the culture of another group.
Be sensitive. Asians generally are more conservative and shy than people raised in an American culture.

What is the experience of the liturgy from a newcomer and from a different culture?

Generally speaking, the liturgy itself will be foreign to any newcomer, unless they have been raised in the church in a liturgical tradition. Moreover, if the liturgy is held in a different language than the newcomer. If a newcomer desires to worship with others, then someone should sit with and guide the person, answering questions as they come along. Remember, friendship is most important in welcoming a newcomer from a different culture.

Fear of addressing another cultural group when the neighborhood is changing.

There are several fears that rise up in both the host congregation and the newcomers from another culture:

Losing identity and traditions.
Losing power and self-determination
Change
Appearing foolish

When the neighborhood changes the host congregation is challenged to have the faith to move forward and form and embrace a new identity that includes the present congregation and the emerging congregation.

A bridge between the two groups is needed to help them share power.
A bridge is needed to provide effective communication between the groups.
When misunderstanding between individuals or the groups occur, much care must be used to be sensitive to both parties, understanding the cultural dynamics at work.

How do the Asian congregations minister to people of other faiths?

Inter-faith efforts because of ethnicity.

In the Japanese community, there is much cooperation on an inter-faith level. In San Francisco, there is the Japanese American Religious Federation (JARF, which works on joint projects for the good of the Japanese American Community. Currently they are working on an assisted living housing project.

In the Chinese community most of the work is done ecumenically among six or seven Christian denominations.