Connecting to belonging: a cross-disciplinary inquiry into rural Australian Anglican Church engagements with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Issue 1 (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Short, Monica; Broughton, Geoff; Short, Mark; Ochala, Yangi; Anscombe, Bill
• Is Part Of: Journal of contemporary religion. Volume 32:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 119
• Page End: 133
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Church of England -- engagement -- diversity -- rural communities -- co-operative inquiry -- Australia; Religions -- Periodicals; Religions -- History -- 20th century -- Periodicals; 200
• DOI: 10.1080/13537903.2016.1256657
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-7903

Abstract

Abstract: People from diverse backgrounds enrich the rural, regional, and remote communities where they relocate and settle. Research about rural diversity tends to focus on demographics (age, gender, country of origin) while ignoring personal narratives of integration, for example, engagements with religious institutions (such as the local Christian church). This article presents the research themes from an investigation using co-operative inquiry into rural diversity and the Anglican Church, with specific reference to the Australian experience. It is a cross-disciplinary dialogic exchange between social workers and theologians. Positive narratives about connection, welcome, participation, and belonging are shared.