An evening of rich intercultural dialogue

MCEC hosts Pablo Kim Sun, author of Building Mennonite Belonging: Toward an Intercultural Church. Together, we will explore how faith communities can respond faithfully and creatively to the realities of cultural, ethnic and racial diversity in the twenty‑first century.

Using three Mennonite theologies - messianic community, missional church and shalom church, Pablo Kim offers a compelling vision for a Mennonite peoplehood that engages the world, welcomes difference and pursues peace and reconciliation. His work highlights the ways in which Mennonite teachings already contain the resources needed to nurture an authentically intercultural church.

During this conversation, pastors will have the opportunity to reflect on identity, belonging and ministry in multicultural contexts, and to imagine new possibilities for building inclusive congregations that reflect the diversity of the society around us.

Copies of Building Mennonite Belonging will be available for purchase, of you can order a copy today from CommonWord.

This event is offered alongside the MCEC ACG.
Whether you’re participating in the ACG or simply joining us for the evening, come to listen, learn and join a meaningful conversation about how we can navigate change together as community.

Registration opens soon.

7 - 8:30 p.m.
MCEC
Community Room
50 Kent Ave., Kitchener

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Meet Pablo

Hyung Jin (Pablo) Kim Sun is a Mennonite. He was born in Paraguay and raised by a Korean immigrant family, before attending an evangelical seminary in the United States. There he joined a Mennonite church, though he often returned from gatherings feeling uneasy. Most Mennonites he met were white, with European heritage, and their faith community was often their ethnic community as well. As a Korean-Paraguayan, Kim Sun felt that he would never be Mennonite enough. This crisis of religious identity prompted him to work towards an intercultural Mennonite church where all people could experience full belonging.

Pablo's Book

Building Mennonite Belonging explores the interplay between ethnicity, culture, race, and faith in Canada and other multicultural societies. Using three Mennonite theologies - messianic community, missional church, and shalom church - these theologies show that Mennonites aspire to engage with the world, dialogue with those from diverse backgrounds, seek peace, and strive for reconciliation. Envisioning new possibilities for faith communities in the twenty-first century, Building Mennonite Belonging advocates for a church that reflects and responds to the diverse society it inhabits. Kim Sun's work is not only a call to action, but a guide to fostering a more inclusive church and society.

Available from CommonWord.