World Church In Our Backyard

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.

Simon C. Kim is a Korean American priest of the Diocese of Orange, California, and serves as the Thomas E. Chambers Assistant Professor of Theology at Our Lady of Holy Cross College. As a theologian of culture-focused on doing theology within a particular context-Kim is able to understand not only his own cultural relevance in theological reflection but also the culture of others as well. His stories, experiences, and theological reflection resonate both with initial immigrants and the next generation and have won high praise from both groups as they draw on their Catholic faith to navigate their way in Church and society. His recent publications illustrate the bridging of his theological endeavors and pastoral engagements.