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Celebrating identity, building connection: Insights from the CR/CC Summit

November 18, 2025 / By Kevin Miller, Multimedia Content Creator / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The Cross-Racial/Cross-Cultural (CR/CC) Summit at Cicero United Methodist Church brought BIPOC leaders, CR/CC clergy, and allies from across Upper New York together for a day of storytelling, honest reflection, and celebration. The gathering, led by the Rev. Jee Hae Song, Associate Director of Missional Excellence, focused on building community and learning from one another—especially those serving in cross-racial and cross-cultural ministry settings. 
 
Rev. Song explained that the purpose of the Summit was to provide space for honest dialogue, encouragement, and connection among those in CR/CC ministry. 
 
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez opened the event by inviting participants into a time of connection and shared purpose. “Today is a day to build community, to remove ourselves from those spaces of isolation that ministry can draw us into, and to imagine a church that fully embraces diversity,” he said. 
 
The bishop encouraged those attending in support roles to be “an active listening presence,” reminding everyone that the day was about courage and vulnerability. “I don’t believe in the concept of ‘this is a safe space,’” he said. “I believe that together we create safe spaces, healthy spaces, for us to experience community and to do the hard work of the Kingdom of God.”

The story of our names  
 
The morning began with a meaningful exercise: telling the story of one’s name. Participants shared their name in their native language, their place of origin, and their cultural or spiritual meaning. “Names are very important theologically,” Bishop Héctor said. “They speak about purpose and, in our cultures, about heritage and hopes.” 

That time of sharing set the tone for the day—one built on deep listening and mutual respect. Pastor Evangeline Castillo, a new CR/CC pastor from the Philippines serving two UNY congregations at Mayville UMC and Westfield First UMC, said, “Without the support of the CR/CC, I would have experienced deep culture shock and struggled greatly during my transition.”

Challenges within Cross-Racial/Cross-Cultural ministry 
 
Early discussions turned to the harm caused by tokenism in the Church. Bishop Héctor spoke candidly about the pressure many leaders face to represent diversity rather than to be recognized for their gifts. “In the pursuit of diversity, we expect CR/CC folks to show up at places at a disproportionate rate,” he said. “I’m invited to so many places just because they’re looking for diversity, not because I’m good or have a prophetic vision for the Church. That becomes tokenism.” 

For Pastor Castillo, the realities of that struggle became clear early in her ministry. “Some members had difficulty understanding my English, and I also struggled to understand theirs,” she said. “I experienced moments of discrimination when I used my own dialect—it felt as though I wasn’t allowed to speak it. One member even said they no longer felt inspired to come to church. I also felt I didn’t have the freedom to speak prophetically from the pulpit.” 

Bishop Héctor reminded attendees that confronting these realities is part of the Church’s healing work—an ongoing call to move from symbolic inclusion to genuine affirmation.

Tools for pastors and for congregations 
 
Stories throughout the day highlighted both challenge and growth. One pastor described arriving at a congregation where members walked out as they approached the pulpit. “Helping us is one thing, but helping the churches to be receptive to difference would be helpful as well,” the pastor said, placing the need for formation on both clergy and congregations. 

Pastor Castillo shared how coaching and district support helped her transition. “I was given the privilege of being coached by Rev. Diane Kenaston, who serves as my counselor and mentor,” she said. “She is always ready to listen and answer my questions whenever I need guidance.” She also thanked District Superintendents Mike Weeden and Mary Kelly for leading a CR/CC seminar with her congregations before she began. “They asked thoughtful questions that both the members and I—as a Filipino pastor—were free to answer. It made a huge difference before I even started.” 

Conference leaders affirmed the value of coaching. “This appointment year, six pastors are being funded for having a coach. My desire is to continue that because I was told there are good fruits,” Rev. Song said.

Celebrating culture 
 
After lunch, the Summit shifted into celebration with a “Symbols of Soul” showcase. Five circuits shared items reflecting identity and faith—from clergy robes to the AME Zion hymnal and the vibrant patterns of kente cloth. Rev. Song described it as an opportunity to honor “who we are before God and one another.” 

The celebration deeply resonated with Pastor Castillo. “The entire event was so meaningful—even the music set my spirit on fire,” she said. “I was inspired by the testimonies of my fellow pastors and by the district superintendents who continue to pray for and believe in me.” The showcase helped the room see how heritage and hope reside together in the life of the Church.

Celebration and realism: A call to commitment 

While the Summit acknowledged the diversity among those gathered, Bishop Héctor cautioned against viewing it as mission accomplished. “Forty-five BIPOC pastors among a community of 900 clergy is not necessarily something for us to celebrate,” he said. “Our communities are much more diverse than our churches are today.” He reminded participants that true diversity is reflected not just in numbers but in how churches engage their surrounding communities, calling on The United Methodist Church to move beyond momentary celebration toward sustained transformation.

Moving forward together 
 
By day’s end, several themes stood out. Creating safe spaces requires honesty and shared accountability. Coaching and congregational training continue to strengthen CR/CC ministry. Participants also affirmed that connection across churches is essential to sustaining this work. 
 
Rev. Song closed by encouraging participants to carry the spirit of the Summit into their daily ministry. “Please use today to speak to one another, help one another, and empower one another,” she said. “Despite the challenges, your presence in your community will bring change.” 
 
Pastor Castillo is part of the CR/CC group that Rev. Song leads, a community she credits for encouragement and renewed purpose. “Every time we finish a CR/CC Zoom session, I feel re-energized,” she said. “I’m inspired and motivated by the stories of my fellow CR/CC pastors. I can relate to them deeply—it feels like we are living the same story.” 
 
The Summit did not seek quick fixes; it offered something deeper—a space to listen, learn, and recommit to being the body of Christ across every language, culture, and background.