Engaging with our Culturally Diverse Neighbours
As part of her PhD research on the Australian Anglican Church engaging with rural, regional and remote communities, BCA’s Monica Short has recently published a report in conjunction with The Anglican Diocese of Bendigo and Charles Sturt University.
Entitled Three Anglican Churches Engaging with People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds, the report is the result of a collaborative project involving rurally located congregation members and leaders from different backgrounds.
“It was fascinating to listen to people’s stories,” says Monica. “I am inspired and awe in how people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds build wonderful relationships with God and others.”
The book highlights a number of key points including that:
- engaging with the church can be part of a migration experience
- Anglican churches can be accessible public spaces connecting people with God and each other
- the church can be a go-to place when people are experiencing exclusion by society
- engagement upholds people’s well-being and builds social capital
“We believe it will help churches and other voluntary organisations build inclusive and welcoming communities where all people are able to use their gifts for the common good,” says Monica.