From the Revd Larry Wright
Sir, - Recent pronouncements lamenting the failure of
churches to welcome Commonwealth migrants in the 1960s (News, 25 October) should
urge us to greater efforts of hospitality towards the present
generation of migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers.
As in many other inner-city parishes, our membership is a
rainbow congregation, some born Christian, and others who are
converts. They all share stories of migration and exile from the
places they still call home. We endeavour to provide pastoral,
practical, and spiritual care that is appropriate and sensitive to
their ethnic heritage.
We have learned from them the need to foster spiritual
integration while affirming their cultural integrity. In turn, we
offer opportuni-ties to grow in membership, discipleship, and
leadership. It is a reciprocal dynamic that takes time, effort, and
a willingness to be all-embracing.
If we are not to repeat the mistakes of history, we must let go
of outdated concepts of superiority and assimilation, and recognise
that we are part of a global Christian movement that is reaching
into our pews and challenging our assumptions and our identity.
LARRY WRIGHT
100 Bridge Street West
Newtown
Birmingham B19 2YX