Intercultural

Worship Blog

Coming to Terms with Emancipation Day

Rev. Dr. Paul Douglas Walfall writes that the history of Emancipation Day may be inconvenient for some Canadians, but it’s essential to for us all to commemorate this day.

An illustration of two Black arms and hands breaking the shackles which bound them.

Emancipation Day is a Celebration of Our Beauty

Artist Noah Janosch Brown resists the cycle of retraumatization Black people are exposed to on a daily basis, and instead, chooses to celebrate the beauty of the Black community.

An installation of nine replicas of a rotund Black man in a hoodie.

Fresh Off the Boat

Ariel Siagan raises awareness about the situation of Filipino migrant workers in Canada and calls on the church to respond.

Unsettling Thoughts on Church Union

Kenji Marui asks if we have confused “unity” with “uniformity”? All may be one, yes! But not that all may be one-and-the-sa

A collage of the same cover from the United Church Basis of Union, but cropped and organized in different ways.

Beautifully Made

For Asian Heritage Month, Rev. Sun-Young “Sunny” Kim writes about the unique challenges of being queer, Asian, and Christian.

A branch of pink-white cherry blossoms against a subtle blue sky and light clouds.

God Gives Us Abundant Life

For Asian Heritage Month 2021, Klaus Simon Bondoc shares how his discovery of God’s love and acceptance led him on the path toward ministry.

Klaus Simon Bondoc, a young Fillipino man with a brilliant smile, appears to be exclaiming while dressed in a white alb.

The Blessings of Community

For Asian Heritage Month 2021, a blog writer tells of her experience navigating the complexities of her Asian and LGBT2Q+ identity.

A Group of People Stand Silhouetted by the Setting Sun

Addressing Racialized Trauma and Mental Health

Patricia Watson’s review of the book "My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies."

A Black woman sits on a couch reading a book, beneath a picture of a zebra.

An Invitation to Listen as We Walk the Path of Reconciliation

Elder Alf Dumont in a conversion about the work of reconciliation and how starting at the beginning again can be a good way to move forward together.

Alf Dumont, an Indigenous man, stands beside a creek, smiling and looking upstream.

On Racism and White Allies

Rev. Sun-Young "Sunny" Kim writes on the need for progressive White people to show humility when it comes to confronting racism.

Forgiveness as a Way of Life

The Rev. Marie-Claude Manga reflects on her ministry and work as an ordained Black woman with The United Church of Canada

The Rev. Marie-Claude Manga, standing in front of an artwork, dressed in a brown jacket.

Come, Join Me Under the Palaver Tree

For Black History Month, Pastor Samuel Vauvert Dansokho recounts the devastating and lasting impact of colonialism on Africa.

A selfie of Rev. Dr. Samuel Vauvert Dansokho, a Black man with a graying beard and glasses. Photographed outside in a snowy background.

Building a "Quilt of Belonging"

For Black History Month, Patricia Watson shares about ways to teach Black history using a variety of artistic expressions.

One Instrument in the Orchestra

Nancy Oliver-MacKenzie writes about the role of Montreal's Union United Church as a force for social justice for the Black community and beyond.

Get Over It? Or Confront It?

Sara Stratton writes that the path to true reconciliation and understanding requires an honest confrontation of the past.

The Creator's Abundant Gifts

Rev. John Snow offers an Indigenous perspective on Epiphany season and the sharing of God's sacred gifts.

A beautiful photo of sacred medicines from both the Near East and Indigenous traditions laid out in a circle on a green cloth background..

Speaking of Darkness in Advent

Our ingrained notions of black/white and darkness/light as inherently good and evil can guide how we treat each other.

A brown hand holding a yellow candle in the darkness as the candle burns down.

Letter of Prayer for Michael Blair from the Black Clergy Network

The Black Clergy Network in The United Church of Canada has offered a prayer of support for the Rev. Michael Blair, as he begins his new role as the General Secretary, General Council.

The Sankofa bird, a West African symbol of a bird with a long neck, turning its head to look back. This version is brilliantly multicoloured - red, yellow, black, and orange..

Food, Food, Local Wonderful Food

Jennifer Janzen-Ball and Julie Graham share their experience of celebrating love of the soil, of God, and of humanity with Mission & Service partners in Japan.

A field with a variety of low lying crops at the Seminary for Rural Mission (Noden) in Japan.

Mind-Boggling Intercultural Change and Potential

During Asian Heritage Month, Noel A. Suministrado, a United Church minister from the Philippines, sees great opportunities for the church as it opens itself to Canada’s changing demographic realities.

The author, Noel A. Suministrado, a Filipino man with short dark hair with streaks of grey. Wearing glasses and a scarf.

Working toward Wholeness

As a recent immigrant from Asia, Rev. SunDo Hyun finds that opening oneself to intercultural opportunities — despite the challenges — can be transforming and life-giving.

Expanding the Circle of Understanding

Rev. Dr. Alan Lai writes about how Asian Heritage Month challenges us to grow deeper into intercultural awareness and understanding.

A photograph portrait of Rev. Dr. Alan Lai.

Kendrick Lamar as Prophet

Wendy Gichuru reflects on how the negotiation of sacred and profane in Kendrick Lamar’s music contributes to the making of Black meaning.

Rapper Kendrick Lamar performs on stage, wearing a black t-shirt and a black baseball cap, he holds a microphone with one hand and raises the other above this head, with three fingers in the air.

Learning to Be Black

Rev. Andrew Kinoti Lairenge writes that growing up in post-colonial Kenya, he did not know what it was to be a person of colour or visible minority. It is in Canada that he is learning to be Black.

A portrait of Rev. Andrew Kinoti Lairenge, a middle-aged Black man with very short hair and kind eyes. Slightly smiling.

My History is African Centred and It’s Beautiful

Dr. Velda Love of the United Church of Christ writes that her history is African centred and it’s beautiful.

Dr. Velda Love of the United Church of Christ, a Black woman in an indigo wrap, with very closely cropped hair, a brilliant smile, and long earrings, looks directly at the camera.

Sharing Cultures, Working for Peace

At the Minority Youth Forum in Japan, Jacob Burns and Jacqueline Warner-Smith were exposed to a struggle for justice that had similarities to the Canadian experience.

Participants in the Minority Youth Forum, including two youth featured in this blog post (centre), pose for a group shot in front of a Japanese temple.

My Civil Rights Excursion

Rev. Dr. Bentley de Bardelaben-Phillips of the United Church of Christ, writes about the recent powerful tour he took with colleagues to the Alabama cities of Birmingham and Montgomery, where much civil rights history took place.

A portrait of Rev. Dr. Bentley de Bardelaben-Phillips, a Black man with glasses and a thin black and grey beard. He has a bright smile and is wearing a dark suit.

February Isn’t Enough for Black History

Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson writes about the UN International Decade for People of African Descent and how it extends the opportunity to focus on Black history beyond February.

A portrait of Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, a Black woman with beautiful braids atop her head in a bun, wearing a clergy collar and a metal owl pendant.

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Kelsi James shares her video poem "[REDacted]," as a reflection on her experience serving as United Church oversea personnel in China.

Sharing Our Stories, Claiming Our Names

Kim Uyede-Kai writes from the Asian Ecumenical Women’s Assembly, a “herstorical” assembly where women could hear one another’s stories be given voice, some for the first time.

Author Kim Uyede-Kai from the United Church stands with Rev. Ester Damaris Wolla Wunga from Indonesia stand with an assembly banner. Both women are of Asian background, but the "traditional dresses" they are wearing reflect their different cultures.

To Bloom for More than a Day

Rev. Ruth Lumax reflects on how learning to become an intercultural church can help us develop into lush and vibrant communities of faith.

A brilliant red-pink bloom of a hibiscus flower on a background of green leaves.

A Hot Pot of Humanity

Kelsi James, United Church of Canada Overseas Personnel in China, writes on her experience of finding authentic community so far from home.

The author, a young White woman, balances in a ballet pose holding the shoulder of an elderly Tai Chi master in the streets of Jiuquan, China while amused people look on.

Living Our Diversity

In the wake of Don Cherry’s divisive and hurtful statements, Rev. Dr. Paul Douglas Walfall asks, “Why is it that immigrants and people of colour have become the punching bag for some in our society?”

A photo of a Canadian flag on a flagpole apparently being found at the foot of a rainbow, against the contrast of a dramatic dark sky.

Challenging Our Assumptions

Paul Douglas Walfall writes that if we are to claim diversity, we need to challenge our assumptions about who and what is normative in Canada and in the church.

A cross and heart image is seen in a back-lit window with yellow and brown tones.

A Conversation toward Inclusion

Sharon Ballantyne shares about a conversation on inclusion, in which participants sought brave and safe space to engage with each other with all their hearts.

This photo shows a group of 19 diverse people of differing backgrounds and types of abilities in front of a large multi-coloured stained glass. Included in the group are those who participated in the conversation on inclusion. conversation

Good News Refreshes the Body

Working with deaf children, author Susan Lukey discovers that we lost something important in worship when the focus became words, spoken and written.

An jet airplane flies directly overhead, as seen from the ground.

Being Together

Tom Reynolds writes that the experience of being with people with disabilities can reawaken an awareness of the deeply human condition of vulnerable interdependence.

An illustration of a crowd of human cut-out figures in many different colours

Considering Accessibility

I have a new perspective on life.

While I am waiting for two hip replacements, my mobility is decreasing – in direct proportion to the increase in chronic pain I am managing. These two factors, along with the long wait for joint replacement in the Ontario health care system, have come… Read more

A person in a beach wheelchair crosses the sand while silhouetted by the brillant sunset.

Creating Autism-friendly Worship

The Rev. Norm Seli writes about creating worship that speaks to people on the autism spectrum.

A puzzle of wooden pieces, each a different colour and angular shape, including one dark brown piece in the shape of a cross.

“Allow Me to Softly Touch Your Heart” 

Participants in the Minority Youth Forum in Japan are amazed by the similarities and differences between Indigenous cultures around the world.

Three young women who were participants in the Minority Youth Forum hold a wooden carving they did. The White Canadian authors of the blog post, Martha and Sarah are on the right and left, with Miyauchi from Japan is between them. They are all smiling.

On Vanier, Voice, and Disability

Mandate magazine consulted people with disabilities across the church and invited them to share their experiences in The United Church of Canada.

The cover of the Spring 2019 issue of Mandate magazine shows to young girls joyfully hugging, one White, one biracial; one with Down Syndrome, one with no visible disability.

Centring my Life

Following personal challenges and global tragedies, Japhet Ndhlovu finds fortitude and centring in God and colleagues through United Church clergy gatherings.

Three Black male clergy great each other at the United Church Black Clergy Gathering.

Welcome the Children… in their Own Languages

For Asian Heritage Month, Yoonjoo Shin, an early childhood educator, writes about the importance of having racialized educators who can embody inclusiveness for children from immigrant families.

The author outside with a bicycle by her side, holds a rainbow flag.

Imagine the Lake as an Ocean

With the start of the King Street transit pilot project in Toronto, I discovered a new way to get to work. Even if it took an additional 15 minutes more than taking the tube, it was worth it to see a glimpse of Lake Ontario. Memories of Luneta Park at Manila Bay flood in as I watch the waters of… Read more

A glimpse of Lake Ontario, seen through trees and beyond buildings, from the 504 street car in Toronto.

Our Diverse Heritages Are Gifts to Give and Receive

For Asian Heritage Month, YoonOK Shin writes that our diverse heritages are gifts to give and receive, transforming bleak cultural boundaries.

Author YoonOk Shin and the United Church Women of Alberta and Northwest Conference pose for a group shot with the shopping bags they sewed.

Inclusion Solutions

Cameron Watts responds to the question, "How do we measure whether inclusion has been achieved?" which was raised at the 9th Annual Federal Policy Forum on Inclusion.

The four members of The United Church of Canada delegation to the 9th Annual Federal Policy Forum on Inclusion.

As Purple to Lavender

Row on row we stood… in the brand new courtyard… row on row of young girls in navy tunics or navy skirts, white starched shirts, ties, and polished oxfords. I wore my new navy blazer with its red school crest, because it was a special occasion. The Honourable Lieutenant Governor… Read more

Rev. B. Maya Douglas, a Black woman, stands smiling among the pews of her church, wearing an alb and colourful embroidered stole.

Facing the Past, Transforming the Future

“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” —Maya Angelou, “On the Pulse of Morning”

The author in the centre, leads a group of Black clergy on a visit to the cemetery at Amber Valley, AB.

Our Congregation Visits a Mosque!

The United Church of Canada has long been involved in interfaith dialogue and action to build respectful, mutual relationships. The church has recognized Islam as a religion of peace, mercy, justice, and compassion and has affirmed that we want to journey towards reconciliation,… Read more

Waiting in South Korea

During this past Advent, we put ourselves in the shoes of God’s people in biblical times as they wait for God to act. But the difference is that for us, we know what we’re waiting for (or we think we know), whereas for God’s people at the time, I don’t think they were quite sure what God had in… Read more

God Isn’t Done with Us

My earliest church memories are tethered to St. James-Bond United Church in Toronto. (Of course, we called it “Bond…St. James Bond, United Church,” with a Sean Connery burr.) I won’t elaborate with tales of basketball courts and bowling alleys, wonderful ministers, witty musicians, finger… Read more

Disability, Who Me?

People sometimes share that they forget I am a person who is totally blind. I experience this as a good thing, an acknowledgment that they feel acceptance, and embrace me for who I am, my abilities and disabilities.

When I or others are not focusing on my disability and “forget” it, so… Read more

Meet Wilson and Sharon

I am a person who is totally blind. I use a dog guide. Wilson is a 7½ year old black lab. He can be correctly described as a seeing eye dog, as he is a graduate of that school. “Seeing eye dog” is actually not a generic term, though it is often used erroneously that way.

Service animals… Read more

Accessible Canada Act Is Long Overdue

Almost 3.8 million Canadians (about 14 percent of the population) identify as having a disability. The United Church is committed to becoming an open, welcoming, and accessible church, and to affirming… Read more

A Proud Heritage

I am a third-generation Japanese Canadian living in southern Alberta among the third-largest concentration of Japanese in Canada; the other two concentrations of population are in Vancouver and Toronto. In my city of Lethbridge, no one questions our presence here, because people have grown up… Read more

What Is at Stake in Celebrating Asian Heritage Month?

To be candid, when I received an invitation to create a worship service and Bible study for Asian Heritage Month 2018, I hesitated at first. I am grateful for this opportunity to share why I accepted.

At the Intersection of Gospel and Culture

Kenji Marui travelled to Australia as part of the Moderator’s Dialogue on Reconciliation to consult and build relationship with the Uniting Church in Australia, the Uniting Aboriginal Islander Christian… Read more

Coming to Terms with Darkness

I am black and beautiful, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Ke’dar, like the curtains of Solomon. Do not gaze at me because I am dark, because the sun has gazed on me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept!… Read more

Zambia Consultation Brings United Church Partners Together

It was a rare privilege to travel to Zambia in February 2018 for a Mission & Service–sponsored partners’ meeting dubbed “the Indaba” (Zulu for consultation or gathering). For the first time, the Indaba brought together 15 African partners and one Asian partner who have each related to The… Read more

Why Did I Write a Worship Service for Black History Month?

Why did I write a worship service and sermon for Black History Month? It’s a difficult question to answer. I was filled with excitement and dread at the prospect. I was excited because the topic of race and identity is volatile at the moment (well, really, when hasn’t it been?) and the… Read more

What Black History Offers Us in Times of Change
Rev. Dr. Paul Douglas Walfall on the West African concept of “Sankofa," which teaches us that it’s not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten.

These Are my Blessings

These are my blessings: seven adopted First Nations children that have chosen me as their mom. Our family has included many children, including White, Asian, transgender, Two Spirit, and more. As a family we choose to celebrate our differences and learn from each other. Sadly, we have… Read more