I agree with at least one observation of Tucker Carlson in his analysis of the Episcopal Church (Episcopal Church in Crisis by Tucker Carlson The Weekly Standard, October 13, 1997}. "In the end, multiculturalism may be [the]salvation of the religion that the world still, and falsely, equates with white America." To be clear, I don't think that Carlson was replacing the role of Jesus Christ in salvation history. Sadly, I believe that the ELCA is preparing to replace the Commission for Multicultural Ministries due to dwindling financial resources. Multiculturalism presents unique challenges for the ELCA and other churches. Churches can embrace these challenges by embodying the teachings and practices of Jesus that call for Christians to break down the culturally constructed barriers of racism, classism, and nationalism. The term multiculturalism means different things to different people. To some it is a politically-correct world view. If someone is from a different culture or ethnic group, we are to blindly and lovingly accept anything and everything in the spirit of fairness and equity. Those who disagree with this point of view often see multiculturalism as an avenue of improving race relations and inviting greater participation of people in the life of the church.
The Bible offers different views on multiculturalism, teaching in one instance that God divided the peoples of the world according to language (Genesis 11). Throughout scripture God expresses concern for the well being of all people of the world. In Matthew 28:18-20 there is a call to make known the wisdom of God by discipling people (they are to be disciples of Jesus). It is a cosmic mission. It is one that can lead to severe conflicts with the powers of darkness (Eph 6:10ff). It is indeed a Great Commission.
In reflecting on a culturally diverse world Paul wrote, “There’s no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Not only is the body of Christ diverse (Jew or Greek) but also multi-class (slaves or free) and multi-gender (male and female). To Paul's observation we would add gays and lesbians. Paul says all of us are one in Christ. Paul's vision of the church, the body of Christ on earth, was multicultural.
According to Alicia Vargas ('No longer Jew or Greek' Multiculturalism in ELCA has Pauline roots, The Lutheran, July 2009) The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the U.S. will have a majority of people of color in 2045, just 3[5] years from now. The ELCA has a choice to make in view of those projections. Will it be a ghettoized church serving mainly the white minority in America in 2045 or will it be one with all the peoples and cultures in this land? With Alicia Vargas, I hope that the ELCA will continue to reflect the fullness of the numbers and the gifts of all the people in the U.S.
