Statement on Intercultural Transformation

The National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) affirms its commitment to fostering a vocation culture rooted in the Gospel, where all people are valued and accompanied with reverence and respect. In our ministry of vocation promotion and discernment, we recognize the urgent call to practice intercultural transformation – a lifelong posture of self-awareness, learning, and openness to transformation through encounter.

Intercultural transformation invites us to:

• Reflect on our own cultural identities, assumptions, and biases;

• Listen deeply to the experiences of others, especially those from communities historically underrepresented in religious life;

• Acknowledge the impact of systemic injustice, racism, and exclusion within the Church and society;

• Promote intercultural dialogue and relationships marked by mutual respect and understanding;

• Create inclusive spaces where discerners from all cultures feel seen, heard, and empowered to respond to God's call.

As religious vocation ministers, we recognize that intercultural transformation is essential to authentic accompaniment. It compels us to move beyond intercultural competence toward a spirituality of encounter, upholding the image of God in each person and embracing the richness diversity brings to consecrated life.

In alignment with Catholic Social Teaching and inspired by the words of Pope Francis, we strive to build “a culture of encounter” that values unity in diversity (Fratelli Tutti, 216). We commit ourselves to ongoing formation, dialogue, and collaboration, trusting that the Holy Spirit continues to call the People of God from every culture, language, and background into the beauty and mission of religious life.

May our efforts reflect professional integrity and the prophetic witness of Christ, and may we be humble servants of the Spirit’s work in every generation.

Published by the National Board, September 2025