Posted on: 17th September 2025

I wonder what comes to mind when you read this phrase? It could be particular circumstances, such as being caught up with others in a traffic jam, or having to exit a building when a fire alarm goes off and waiting outside until everyone gets the all clear. Many other examples come to mind, but I came across this phrase recently when reading about the difference between being an intercultural society rather than a multicultural one.

The issue of stemming the flow of immigrants is constantly in the news these days, especially regarding the arrival of ‘small boats’ and protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers. Whilst not wanting to delve into the politics of this issue, I believe that it can shine a spotlight on our attitudes to those of different nationalities and cultures living amongst us. Are we only going to live as an “Island of strangers” as Keir Starmer said regretfully recently, or are we called to live a better way?

Here in Leeds, apparently the second most diverse city in the UK, it certainly is multicultural, with over 130 nationalities. But what does it mean to be intercultural? It means more than multicultural. It emphasises being intentional in including those who are different from us and seeing them as equals. Yes, we can celebrate our different cultures, display flags and share food (well worth doing), but to be intentional often means going out of our way, experiencing a particular ‘mutual inconvenience’ in order to form deeper relationships, and this works both ways. It’s usually easier to relate to people like us, but how far are we prepared to go with those from different cultural backgrounds, standing with them as friends, identifying with the injustices they often face?

Jesus did not say that the Kingdom of God was about convenience, but challenges us to live inconveniently by ‘taking up our cross’ to follow Him*. It certainly is inconvenient to ‘love our neighbour as you love yourself’*. Jesus points out that when we welcome the stranger, which is not just a superficial task, we are welcoming Christ himself *. Powerful words! 

For all of us, whatever our cultural background, there is going to be ‘mutual inconvenience’ as hopefully we intentionally relate together, but there is also a deepening of relationships and growth in our understanding of the breadth of God’s vision for the world. Some of the most enriching and creative experiences have come from intercultural engagement, accepting but working through differences and experiencing a whole new outlook on life, so let’s not shy away from ‘mutual inconvenience’. 

By Paul Lancaster, Hope for the Nations.

*Matt 16v24
*Matt 22v39
*Matt 25v35