The enthusiasm flowing over the gathering now moved to the added understanding of different cultures through the sharing of a wide variety of foods. Saturday morning found interested persons gathering for further dialogue. Three persons responded. The Rev. Lucy Shengai McAuley, pastor of the Chinese Church, shared her struggle with cultural differences within the congregation she serves. Age-old practices that have centuries of history are deeply ingrained in parishioners.
Intercultural marriages create difficult challenges as well.
Changing languages and new customs bring further stress in more than just church life. Young Kim, an elder of the Korean Church, spoke of the tension between older and younger members. New languages and customs foreign to their old traditions make it hard for members to reach out to others. Sid Birt, an elder of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Portland, challenged the group from his African-American heritage. It's easier to celebrate diversity than to tolerate it when it challenges our beliefs, values, practices, traditions and power.