Dear Editor,
A meeting about “interculturalism” held in the Richmond Council Chamber last week focused on building an intercultural neighborhood rather than a multicultural one.
Interculturalism focuses on being, belonging, and becoming in one, united community; whereas multiculturalism has led to “ghetto-ization” of cultures/religions in cities with emphasis on tolerance for the ever-different “others”.
The attitude in interculturalism focuses on changing one’s attitudes, behaviors and working together with a united purpose as one people; the other simply requires acceptance and toleration of differences, with little change in one’s being.
However, mankind’s history will confirm that even this intercultural approach (which I think is right on) will develop into a merely, external civilization (neighborhood) unless and until the human heart and spirit also changes.
Various believers in different religions are proud to be part of Richmond’s Highway to Heaven, but I believe it symbolizes “multireligion” and essentially requires no one to make changes in attitudes and behaviors. It allows us to simply accept that there will always be different religions and that one must learn to be tolerant.
I think it is clear that the various religions must eventually coalesce into one, common faith since they are all derived from the same source.
Perhaps interculturalism will help us discover and understand humanity’s common spiritual heritage and ultimately bring peace and unity to a troubled and divided world.
Merrill Muttart
Richmond
