An Inquiry of Intercultural Contact and Inclusion Utilizing Glide Memorial United Methodist Church as a Model of Multiculturalism
An Inquiry of Intercultural Contact and Inclusion Utilizing Glide Memorial United Methodist Church as a Model of Multiculturalism
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Issue Date
2001
Authors
Anderson, Larry L.
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Abstract
Little attention has been given to understanding the phenomena of intercultural contact and inclusion from a multicultural perspective. Glide Memorial United Methodist Church, a faith based community which has responded to the needs of the poor and disenfranchised for over thirty years, offers a rich environment in which to explore the intercultural connections that take place in a multicultural and inclusive setting. Glide's uniqueness is in its ability to be inclusive of class, race, age, ethnicity, background, religious belief, sexual orientation, and gender while recognizing and honoring the differences inherent in diversity (Williams, 1992). The aim of this study is to further the understanding of the human experience of intercultural contact and inclusion as it occurs in a setting that encourages diversity and promotes a positive multicultural orientation. Community based action research (Stringer, 1996) has been used to collaboratively access the research participant's experience of intercultural contact and inclusion. Eight narrative style interviews were conducted. Narrative category-content analysis was employed to locate the emerging themes of diversity, and to demonstrate how participants move toward inclusive intercultural connections.