Simon C. Kim

Keeping in mind that interracial and interethnic marriages have increased steadily for the past forty years, this book offers guiding principles for dealing pastorally with the challenge of making sacramental unions culturally and generationally relevant for today's church. In order to expand the outlook of intercultural unions, as well as to enhance the marriage preparation period, this book captures voices ranging from an elder couple to the voices of younger ones. The intention of each chapter is to help us rethink our approaches in mentoring couples and to take culture seriously (not just as in ethnic or racial categories, but in the ways that we have all been formed). What readers will find are theological questions and insights that allow the reader to glean pastoral approaches in their existing ministries to engaged couples. †

How did a culturally diverse world church emerge in our local neighborhoods and backyards? Rather than an accidental coincidence, diversity in our country, neighborhoods and pews was intentionally brought about through the Spirit’s prompting of historical events. The jubilee of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) reminded us how the Catholic Church opened her doors to the world, while the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965 revealed how the U. S. opened her shores to migrants around the world. Through both ecclesial and legislative reforms, the U. S. became home to many ethnically diverse people and allowed for the creation of a worship space incorporating their cultural backgrounds.