There’s race, of course, and sexual orientation. Religion. Ethnicity. Education. Economics. Language. Culture.
Age. Regional norms. Climate. Not to mention physical attributes like height, weight, health and physical
fitness. We pick up things from another’s style of dress, manner of speaking and nonverbal communication
patterns, for example, that we use consciously or subconsciously to categorize the person, and in so doing
establish a sort of cultural divide.

“Love your neighbor as yourself,” takes on much greater consequence in today’s world of rapid travel and instantaneous communication where the world’s incredible smorgasbord of diversity routinely makes its way into our communities and our homes. In such a world, does the metaphor of a giant melting pot make sense anymore? If not, what does the new paradigm look like?

Can we grow into being more accepting? Can we grow into embracing the diversity of all who live in the same place we live? The answer lies in Jesus’ life and in his words.

“Our Church has huge potential for reflecting God’s love and becoming recognized by all as a place where everyone is truly seen as equal in the eyes of God,” says the Rev. Canon Victoria Duncan, Brent School Dean “So this spring we’re launching an expanded version of our original Diversity Training class.”

The previous training focused almost entirely on anti-racism, but cultural content often found its way into the discussions.

“The expanded curriculum is a response to a need identifi ed in evaluations we’ve received from those who have taken the training during the past several years, as well as our awareness of the expanding cultural climate in our area.”

The newly expanded three-hour training will debut on Saturday, May 17 at Calvary, Williamsville. Dr. Frank Filicetti and Dr. Jerry Mosey, both of whom assisted Tori in creating the new syllabus, will be the instructors. Portions of the former curriculum have been maintained, and new elements and opportunities
for personal engagement through conversation and interactive exercises have been added.

Anyone seeking ordination or a canonical license of any kind is required to take diversity training and receive certification from the diocese through the Bishop Brent School. Certification is also highly recommended for all parish staff. But in an eff ort to increase diversity awareness throughout the diocese, those who take the class from a certified trainer will be authorized to off er the training in their own parish. Individuals who attend such second-tier trainings, however, will not receive formal diocesan certification.

“Rather than feeling afraid or angry, rather than avoiding someone who is culturally different from ourselves,” says Tori, “we all have the potential to embrace the individuality of another and appreciate another’s differences as part of the beauty of God’s creation. That’s what this class is all about.”