“I am coming to gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and shall see my glory” –Isaiah 66.18

In The Episcopal Church there are many voices, each with a rich heritage, an important story to tell. When we listen to all the voices and experience all the stories we enter into the beautiful imagery of the Body of Christ and become a stronger witness for Christ in the world. The Office of Intercultural Ministries is committed to connecting people with resources, and people with people, that we may continue to engage in the work of full inclusion of all baptized persons in the life and leadership of the church.

Interculturalism is a way of life for Christians. It is about God’s people living out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. The first step toward being intercultural is learning how to communicate across cultures in a way that profoundly values and honors all voices—especially non-dominant and/or muted voices. By becoming better intercultural communicators, we will become better listeners, possessing and utilizing the ability to speak so others will listen, and listen so others will speak.

Interculturalism impacts us as individuals and as a body. As individuals, we seek to encounter Christ in others, especially the unknown and unfamiliar other, loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. As a church, we must address those things in society and in the church that separate us and that maintain inequalities. The Church and all her members must listen to every voice and to the voice of every culture. In this way, the Church can more fully realize God’s design for a diverse, integrated Body, and diverse, integrated congregations.

Interculturalism is the ministry of the whole church. We invite you to use the resources you’ll find here and to share your own stories and resources.