Multiculturalism is an essential aspect of the Catholic Church, rooted in the very nature of the Church as universal (“catholic” meaning “universal”). The theology of multiculturalism seeks to understand how cultural diversity is part of God’s divine plan and how the Church, as the Body of Christ, is called to embrace and celebrate this diversity.
The Catholic Church teaches that all people, regardless of race, ethnicity or background, are made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27) and are called to unity in Christ (Galatians 3:28). I would like to explore the theological foundation of multiculturalism in Catholic teaching, its implications for the Church’s mission and practical applications in today’s world.
Biblical and Theological Foundations: The universality of God’s plan
The theology of multiculturalism in the Catholic Church is deeply rooted in Scripture, revealing God’s inclusive plan for humanity. From the Old Testament to the New, the biblical narrative consistently affirms that God’s covenant is not limited to a single nation or ethnic group but extends to all people.
God’s universal plan in the Old Testament
The Old Testament foreshadows God’s universal invitation. The prophet Isaiah envisions a time when “all nations shall stream to” the house of the Lord (Isaiah 2:2-3). This prophecy reveals that salvation is not restricted to Israel but is meant for all peoples. Similarly, in Isaiah 49:6, God declares His servant will be “a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
This inclusivity is also evident in the Abrahamic covenant. God promises Abraham that “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3), demonstrating His intention to bring salvation to all. The story of Jonah further illustrates God’s concern for non-Israelites, as Jonah is sent to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh (Jonah 3:1-10).
The Book of Psalms also echoes this theme. Psalm 86:9 proclaims, “All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord.” This vision of unity under God’s reign is central to the Old Testament’s message.
Jesus Christ: Fulfillment of God’s universal plan
Jesus embodies the universality of God’s salvation. His ministry crosses ethnic and cultural boundaries, affirming that God’s love is for all. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus praises the faith of a Roman centurion, saying, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith” (Matthew 8:10). He also heals the Canaanite woman’s daughter, affirming her faith despite cultural barriers (Matthew 15:21-28).
In John 4:7-26, Jesus engages in conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, breaking social and religious norms to offer her the “living water.” His actions reveal that salvation is not confined to any one people but is available to all who believe.
Before ascending into heaven, Jesus commissions His disciples, saying, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This Great Commission is the clearest mandate for a universal Church, embracing people of all backgrounds.
The birth of the Church
The Church was born at Pentecost, an event that underscores its multicultural nature. The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to preach in many languages (Acts 2:1-11). This miraculous sign illustrates that the Gospel is meant for all nations, breaking down linguistic and cultural barriers.
St. Peter affirms this when he witnesses the conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile. He declares, “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation, anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34-35). This marks a turning point in the Church’s mission, as Gentiles are welcomed into the faith without first becoming Jewish.
St. Paul: Apostle of multiculturalism
St. Paul, often called the Apostle to the Gentiles, tirelessly preaches that salvation is for all. In Galatians 3:28, he proclaims, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This radical statement challenges divisions and affirms the unity of believers in Christ.
In Ephesians 2:14-16, Paul explains that Christ has “broken down the dividing wall of hostility” between Jews and Gentiles, making “one new humanity.” The Church, therefore, is not bound by race, nationality or social status but is a family united in Christ.
Church’s call to embrace diversity
The Catholic Church, from its earliest days, has been a global and diverse community. The Book of Revelation gives a vision of heaven where “a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language” worships before God’s throne (Revelation 7:9). This eschatological vision confirms that God’s plan has always been to unite humanity in His love.
The Church continues to affirm this calling through her teachings. In Lumen Gentium, the Second Vatican Council teaches that “all men are called to this catholic unity which prefigures and promotes universal peace” (LG 13). Pope Francis also frequently emphasizes the beauty of diversity in the Church, calling for a culture of encounter and fraternity among all peoples.
Church as a universal and multicultural body
The Church is not tied to any single culture, race or nationality. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 831) states, “The Church is Catholic because it has been sent out by Christ on a mission to the whole of the human race.” This means that cultural diversity is not an obstacle but a richness that contributes to the beauty of the Church.
Vatican II, in Lumen Gentium (LG 13), affirms that “all men are called to belong to the new People of God” and that the Church “gathers together people of every language, race and culture.” The Council emphasized that cultural differences should not be seen as divisions but as gifts that enrich the one Body of Christ.
Pope John Paul II, in his apostolic letter Ecclesia in America, wrote that the Church must foster communion among different cultural groups while respecting their unique traditions. He emphasized that unity does not mean uniformity but a harmonious diversity where all contribute to the Church’s mission.
Role of multiculturalism in evangelization
Multiculturalism is not only a reality but also a theological principle that shapes how the Church evangelizes. The Catholic Church has always engaged with different cultures, adapting the way it presents the Gospel while remaining faithful to its core teachings. This is known as “inculturation,” a concept emphasized by Redemptoris Missio (RM 52), where Pope John Paul II stated that “inculturation is the intimate transformation of authentic cultural values through their integration in Christianity.”
The theology of multiculturalism is deeply embedded in Catholic teaching, from Scripture to the Magisterium. The Church is universal, embracing all peoples and cultures in its mission of evangelization. While challenges exist, the richness of diversity enhances the Church’s ability to witness to Christ’s love in a globalized world. It is the responsibility of every Catholic to contribute to this unity in diversity, ensuring that the Church remains a true reflection of God’s kingdom on earth.
Father Tesfaye Petros Botachew is the director of the diocese’s Office for Multicultural Ministry and a priest of the Apostolic Vicariate of Gambella in Ethiopia.