By Michelle Sanchez

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E pluribus unum, the motto once proposed for the Great Seal of the United States and forever emblazoned on most U.S. currency, means “from the many, one.” Originally, the phrase commemorated the unification of a collection of diverse states into one new nation. Over time, these words also have signified for many Americans the beautiful melting pot heritage of our country—a place where people from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs can unite to build a new shared home. And yet, as we painfully know, we are still far from this ideal. Is e pluribus unum possible? Or is it perpetually problematic?

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In the church we have similar questions. We pursue unity in diversity, too, not because it’s politically correct, but because it’s a God-given mandate. Our Savior commissioned us to make disciples of all peoples (Matt. 28:19); the Holy Spirit came in permanent, Pentecostal fire upon a diverse church (Acts 2); and our worship will one day culminate around a rainbow throne with rainbow people from everywhere (Rev. 7:9). Yet, the church has strayed from this ideal. And even churches that have made notable progress still experience ethnic tensions and challenges, including my own Evangelical Covenant Church, one of the most multiethnic denominations in North America.