‘Christian Inclusion’
Program Focuses on Welcoming All Into Arms of Church

By Eileen Dugan
The Sooner Catholic

OKLAHOMA CITY — Recent national surveys estimate that 27 percent of the U.S. population identifies themselves as Catholic.  This represents a six-fold growth since the beginning of the 20th century.  This growth can be explained by the largely successful maintenance of Catholic identity by immigrants.  

As a result many Catholic parishes throughout the United States, including the Oklahoma City Archdiocese, enjoy the richness of cultural diversity.  Within this Archdiocese, weekend Mass is celebrated in several languages, including Viet-namese, Kore-an, Spanish and English.  For Christians, this diversity requires a new discipleship process to realize a vision of full inclusion of all in the faith community.

On Oct. 26, a culturally diverse group of more than 80 pastors, deacons, religious women and lay parish leaders from more 25 parishes and missions (rural and urban) gathered to discuss the responsibilities of disciples in a multi-cultural world and Church.

Jorge A. Delgado, director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and Joe H. Castro, founder of the Association of Parish Directors for that archdiocese, led the crowd through Delgado’s program:  “Christian Inclusion — For a New Evangelization” as well as an examination of the process of implementing a new discipleship.

The symposium was consisted of presentations in English and Spanish, round-table group discussions focusing on several study questions and following the group discussions, a multi-lingual exchange of ideas and observations.

The morning session introduced participants to the vision of full inclusion followed by group discussion that focused on an examination of perspectives used in daily decision-making.  

One question posed was: In your daily decision making process, which perspective do you most use? A. Ethnocentric perspective B. Personal perspective or C. Christian perspective.  

Following the small group discussions each group offered their comments based upon what for many was an intense self-examination.  Small groups gathered at tables to discuss the question.  While the English speaking and the Spanish speaking participants utilized different perspectives, all could agree with the observation of one group spokesperson: “We know the Christian perspective is better, but it’s not always first.”

Managing and understanding the dynamics of power was another topic presented. “What does majority mean,” Delgado asked the audience. He then offered, “It means you have the responsibility to be more committed to everyone.”   Small groups examined how they could improve Christian inclusion between those perceived to be in the “high power” group and those perceived to be in the “low power” group in multicultural faith communities.  The groups pondered Delgado advice:  “Don’t turn the oppressed into the oppressor when they become the majority.”  The powerless must be “able to speak” and the powerful must be “willing to listen.”

The final session focused on Christian stewardship of time, talent and treasure.  At the end of the symposium most participants agreed that true disciples begin with the evangelization of themselves and with Castro’s observation that ethnic diversity is not a problem for the Catholic Church. “It’s the richest aspect of the Church.”