Intercultural Competence Awareness for Engaging with Immigrants
Equipping the United Methodist Church for Compassionate and Respectful Connections
The United Methodist Church (UMC) has a deep calling to engage with immigrants through compassionate and respectful connections, grounded in faith and mission. The biblical mandate throughout Scripture reminds us to welcome the stranger, a call that invites us to extend Christlike hospitality to all, regardless of background or status. Intercultural competence is essential for fostering these relationships, emphasizing cultural humility, active listening, and honoring everyone’s identity and experience. This resource offers practical tools to help UMC members avoid assumptions, engage with openness, and build meaningful, supportive relationships with immigrant communities and those in ministry with them. Through intentional reflection and action, the UMC can better embody its commitment to diversity, recognizing the unique gifts that immigrants bring to the Church’s mission and the world.
1. Grounding in Faith and Mission
Biblical Mandate: “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). Our faith calls us to extend Christlike hospitality to all.
UMC Commitment: As United Methodists, we affirm the dignity and worth of all people, embracing diversity as a gift from God.
2. Key Principles of Intercultural Competence and Practical Applications
Cultural Humility: Approach each interaction with openness and the understanding that every immigrant’s experience is unique, such as:
Learn about cultural norms of immigrant communities you engage with.
Acknowledge when you make cultural missteps and seek forgiveness.
Avoid framing conversations with a “helping savior”1 mindset; see immigrants as equal partners in God’s mission.
Active Listening: Listen more than you speak. Seek to understand their stories, struggles, and joys without judgment, such as:
Create intentional space for immigrant leaders to share their stories during gatherings.
Use prompts like “Tell me more about…” or “Help me understand…” to encourage dialogue.
Be patient with language differences or pauses; listening is more than waiting to respond.
Avoid Assumptions: Do not generalize based on language, appearance, or perceived nationality, such as:
Ask open-ended questions such as, “What brought you to this community?” or “What are your hopes for the future?”
Recognize the diversity within immigrant communities; avoid lumping people together by language, ethnicity, or origin.
Honor Identity: Use individuals’ preferred names and pronouns avoiding language that might diminish their sense of worth, such as:
Confirm the pronunciation of names and use them respectfully.
Avoid using dehumanizing language like “illegal immigrant,” “anchor baby,” or “alien.
3. Do’s and Don’ts
Do greet warmly: Use a smile and consider learning a greeting in their language.
Don’t stereotype: Avoid statements like, “Where are you really from?”
Do show interest: Ask about their journey, faith, or community respectfully.
Don’t assume language fluency: Speak clearly, and don’t infantilize or over-enunciate.
Do respect boundaries: Be mindful of personal space and ask before initiating physical touch, such as a handshake or hug.
Don’t dismiss emotions: Immigration stories can be difficult; honor their feelings rather than rushing to “fix” things.
Don’t ask invasive questions: Refrain from prying about their immigration status or legal matters.
Do affirm their contributions: Highlight the unique gifts they bring to the community.
Don’t minimize struggles: Avoid platitudes like “It must be better here than there.”
Do educate yourself: Take time to learn about immigration systems, challenges, and successes.
4. Reflection Questions
How do I see the image of God in the immigrants I encounter?
What biases or assumptions might I need to unlearn to better connect with others?
How can I intentionally integrate immigrant leaders into the mission and ministry of the church?
Prepared by GCORR for The United Methodist Church.