The Global City: Multicultural Ministry in Urban Canada

David M. Kelly is a teaching assistant at Brock University in St.
Catharines.

In recent years, the question of immigration in recession-torn Canada
has become a highly sensitive issue—so much so, in fact, that one
hesitates to heap criticisms on any book that tackles the subject.
Unfortunately, The Global City invites them.

On the positive side, Kawano’s research is adequate, and his
education and experience are considerable. Likewise, he expresses a
commendable concern for new immigrants and Native peoples in North
America.

However, the book itself is not well written. It lacks clarity and
unification of thought, and contains both contradictions and a certain
naiveté concerning the Scriptures it employs. Kawano’s central
message is somewhat confusing, though I perceive (dimly) that he is
advocating that Canada evolve into a miniature United Nations, honoring
each minority as a full member.

While he engages in “Anglo-bashing,” Kawano turns a blind eye to
recent problems among immigrants, including street gangs, drug
trafficking, and violence. His book has little to recommend it—except,
perhaps, for those of us given to WASP guilt.