wfn.org | FRIENDSHIP PRESS OFFERS TOOLS FOR LIFE IN MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY

[CAROL_FOUKE.parti@ecunet.org]

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.
Contact: Carol J. Fouke, NCC, 212-870-2252
Internet: carol_fouke.parti@ecunet.org

NCC7/18/96                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW FRIENDSHIP PRESS RESOURCES OFFER TOOLS
FOR LIVING IN A MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY

 NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Concrete tools for living in a
diverse, multicultural society are among the newest
resources published by the National Council of
Churches' Friendship Press.

The latest books and videos come as the
barriers of language, culture, class and race are
still painfully evident in all spheres of public and
private life -- more than 30 years after the Civil
Rights Movement began.  These resources serve as
catalysts for bridging barriers and bringing the
teachings of Christian faith to bear in all
relationships.

"First, We Must Listen" (paperback, $8.95), the
lead resource of  the series, is a 125-page
collection of articles, conversations and essays
that reveal the pilgrimages and often frank opinions
of  those from a wide spectrum of ethnic and racial
groups.  The premise of the volume, edited by Anne
Leo Ellis,  is the imperative of listening to each
other as the first steps of living together as
"God's people" in the coming century.

"First, we must listen," says the book's
introduction.  "Carefully, thoughtfully, without
interruption, without hidden agendas, without
preconceptions.  Next, we need to think.  And talk.
With each other.  As openly as possible, prepared
for misunderstanding and anger, but also for
healing, comprehension, reconciliation - friendship."

 "The Leader's Guide to First, We Must Listen"
($4.95), authored by Marilyn Whaley Winters, helps
parishioners prepare for the discussion of the main
volume and for taking steps to affirm and nurture
diversity within their churches and communities.  It
enables study leaders to involve group members in
constructive analysis and dialogue, then guide them
in reflection, prayer and action.  The guide is
structured for six sessions, but also offers
alternative time frames and settings for study.

A 27-minute video, "Listening to One Another:
The Church in a Multicultural World," examines seven
congregations working to change the adage that 11
a.m. Sunday  is the most segregated hour in North
America.  The churches featured - in Chicago,
Toronto, Hartford, Evanston, Jersey City and
Decatur, Ga. - are learning to value the special
contributions different cultures bring to the church
family.  The video shows how these congregations
worship, respond to the needs of their communities
and meet their challenges as communities of faith.

Another video, "I Have a Friend," focuses on
children from different ethnic groups interacting in
various settings while the song "I Have a Friend" is
heard in English, Spanish, Korean and Cree.  The 10-
minute, $19.95 video serves as an excellent
introduction to the many ways of affirming the
variety of humanity.

Another resource for children, the 24-page
magazine "All Quite Beautiful" ($3.95), invites
children to learn about those from different
cultures in a full-color 8 1/2 by 11" format.  It
begins with an opportunity for young readers to
affirm their identities and worth as children of
God.  Then, through stories, poems, Bible readings,
activities, puzzles, recipes and songs, it sets
about exploring and understanding differences in
language, holiday celebrations, foods and religious
beliefs while enabling children to build positive
relationships with people of many cultures.  All
Quite Beautiful is authored by N. Lynne Westfield.
Gloria Ortiz Hernandez is the illustrator.

An accompanying "Teachers Guide to All Quite
Beautiful" ($5.95) by Jennie Winsor Payne provides
teachers and parents with ideas for working with
children on multicultural study.  Session plans
offer objectives, background notes, scripture
references and worship ideas.  Activities are
specific to grades 1-3 and 4-6.  The guide is
structured for five one-hour sessions and one all-
church event, with additional materials for longer
sessions and alternative settings.

A new related resource is "Families Valued:
Parenting and Politics for the Good of All Children"
by Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer (paperback, $10.95).  When
his daughter's tricycle is trashed by some
neighborhood boys, Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer tries to
answer why it happened.  In his struggle for
answers, both for himself and his daughter, Nelson-
Pallmeyer launches an insightful look into the
challenges of parenting in an increasingly violent,
racist and market-driven society.  He affirms the
importance of personal family values, yet deplores
the policies embraced in the name of "family values"
that tear apart families, communities and the
nation's social fabric.

"The Study Guide to Families Valued" ($4.95) by
Joe Leonard offers practical ways to put into
practice the values and initiatives presented in
Nelson-Pallmeyer's book. Designed for a 13-session
adult study series, the book includes directions for
intergenerational groups and retreat settings, with
special directions for studies held during Advent or
Lent.

Friendship Press has long been a leading
ecumenical publisher of educational materials for
schools and congregations in the United States and
Canada.  Those seeking more information should write
Friendship Press, 475 Riverside Drive, Room 860, New
York, NY 10115. The toll-free number for ordering
resources is 1-800-889-5733.

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