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Vision to be a Multi-Cultural, Multi-Racial Church
November 13, 2009
The Rev. Dr. Sherman Hicks, Executive Director of Multicultural Ministries Program Unit for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), delivered a guest lecture entitled, "The ELCA's Vision to be a Multi-Cultural, Multi-Racial Church," at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS) on Thursday, November 12.Dr. Hicks' address to students, faculty and staff, as well as pastors and alumni of LTSS, revealed the challenges, opportunities, and
accomplishments that face the church. The challenge, he repeatedly stated, is that intentional measures must be taken to promote multiculturalism if it is ever to become reality. He referenced the 1993 ELCA social statement entitled "Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture" and subsequent ministry plans implemented by the ELCA.The opportunity to create a church that encompasses the 6 identified ethnic-specific groups (African-descent, Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaskan, Arab/Middle-Eastern, and European American) is one that Dr. Hicks said began in the Pentecost story in Acts Chapter 2. "The church of Jesus Christ started as a multi-cultural, multi-language church," he said. "This is about God and God's mission, which has been entrusted to us."
He repeated the news previously reported in The Lutheran, that diversity in ELCA congregations is up. There has been a 40% increase of the congregations that report 5% or more minority members. He suggested that this accomplishment is a testimony to the intentional measures being taken by the ELCA, but are still very much a work in progress.
The lecture ended with a question and answer period for those in attendance. Dr. Hicks also met with the faculty over lunch and led a multicultural worship service at the weekly Eucharist service in Christ Chapel.
Click here for more information on the ECLA Multicultural Program Unit.
Click here to hear/download Dr. Hicks' lecture.
Click here to hear/download Dr. Hicks' sermon.
