Sociologist Dr. Caleb Rosado specializes in diversity and multiculturalism, and has written several articles:
Multicultural Ministry: The Theory
"Multicultural ministry is the development and implementation of heterogeneous models of communicating the Gospel, through beliefs and behaviors which are sensitive to the needs of the culturally diverse population within a church's field of service, creating a community which celebrates unity in diversity in Christ. For too long the Christian Church has been operating on exclusive, homogeneous models of ministry and styles of worship in a heterogeneous church and society... There is a difference between a "multiethnic" church and a "multicultural" church. A Multiethnic Church is one that has a diversity of ethnic groups in the congregation, but the church's "seven Ps" (perspectives, policies, purposes,programs, personnel, practices, and power–see below) do not necessarily reflect the diversity of the church. A Multicultural Church, on the other hand, is one tha tincorporates these differences into a wholistic program of ministry. It is sensitive to all the experiences and differences that people bring, and not just differences of race, ethnicity and culture. The concern in multicultural ministry is a respect for others and what they bring to the altar to present before God." Read the full document
Toward a Definition of Multiculturalism (October 28, 1996)
"Transculturation must not be confused with the more common term, “acculturaltion,” the anthropological equivalent of assimilation, meaning that one group adapts it culture to the cultural ways of the dominant group, usually through the one-way process of socialization. Transculturation is radically different. Transculturation is the reciprocal process by which two cultures, upon contact, engage in a system of give and take and adaptation to each other's ways, though often not in an equal manner, resulting in the emergence of a new cultural reality (Ortiz 1970). It is a two-way process of cultural exchange, where the various groups learn from each other, each impacting the other, without totally losing their unique distinctiveness. This rich blend of ethnic groups, coming together on the basis of coalitions of interests and not of color, with a common set of values..." (excerpt) Read the full document.