On one of my regular visits to parishioners in Gloucester, I talked with them about their son — a federal employee — who explained how the government rollback of DEI policies was affecting his team and how it had created an atmosphere of division and fear. Unfortunately, this has become a common story.
One of the biggest problems is that politically conservative groups and evangelicals view diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies as unfair and harmful. They often claim that DEI principles promote equality but not equal opportunity. On the other hand, progressive religious and humanitarian groups often view DEI initiatives as valuable, helping the underprivileged and marginalized to gain access to the benefits they should have along with the rest of us.
While many religious folks are celebrating the destruction of governmental DEI initiatives, others are deeply dismayed and see it as contrary to the way of love.
As an Episcopal priest, I find meaning in the recurring themes of scripture. Scripture, tradition, reason and experience all affirm that diversity is God’s design, equity is God’s justice, and inclusion is God’s invitation to all.
Equity is a core principle of God’s kingdom, though God’s equity sometimes looks like some may be rewarded in ways others feel they don’t deserve. This is also known as grace. Like Jesus’ parable of the field laborers who start work late in the day but receive the same wages as those who toiled all day (Matt. 20:1–16). Equity is the hope that there will be flourishing for everyone, not just a few. This often means putting the rights of many above the rights of a few or the profit of business. In my tradition, we talk about this with words like restoration, reconciliation, and Jesus’ “peace that passes all understanding.” Micah 6:8 calls us to “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with (our) God.” Justice and equity mean ensuring that every person has access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. This is not merely a social issue; it is a spiritual mandate.
Inclusion is about creating a space where everyone feels welcome and valued. It is about breaking down barriers and building bridges. In Galatians 3:28, Paul writes, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This radical inclusion was a hallmark of Jesus’ ministry. He welcomed the outcasts, the sinners, and the marginalized. Embracing the least of these is what Jesus did well and what he calls us to do by welcoming the sick and disabled; women, children, eunuchs, prostitutes, and gentiles; the dishonest, the divorced, and those with mental illnesses.
The Bible recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their circumstances. God delights in diversity. The creation story in Genesis paints a picture of a world filled with variety — light and dark, land and sea, animals of every kind. The pinnacle of creation is humanity, “made in the image of God” (Gen. 1:27), yet expressed in humanity through myriad cultures, languages, and identities. This divine design is evident in the grand vision depicted in the book of Revelation. In 7:9, John describes a heavenly scene where “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language” worships before the throne of God. This vision is not of a homogenous group but a beautifully diverse community, unified in worship, yet distinct in identity.
Until that day, there is much work to do still in creating a welcoming and diverse community. Although it can be difficult at times, this work of love tends to lead those of us doing the work into our own personal authentic and meaningful transformations. Through our labor of love, we learn to embrace the beauty of difference while developing empathy for those who feel they are “right” and that we are “wrong.” Similarly, those who represent diversity have something to teach faith communities and the world what the love of Jesus actually looks like.
Although our Judeo-Christian forebears did not use the term “DEI,” they had spiritual practices that faithfully valued and prioritized the same principles. These spiritual principles help us imagine how the kingdom of God can be lived out in our lives.
This coming week, we have an exciting opportunity to celebrate these principles championing inclusion, differences, and equity by celebrating Cape Ann Pride (capeannpride.org) in their second year of festivities. Join us as strive to recognize, honor, and draw strength from the diverse and intersecting identities within our LGBTQIA+ community. The theme for this is year: “Surviving and Thriving!” Join the diversity supporting our LGBTQAIA+ sisters and brothers with the peace that passes all understanding, attending one or more of the many events from now through Sunday, June 8!
The Rev. Marya DeCarlen is the priest-in-charge, or as she prefers to call herself, “priest-in-collaboration,” at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Gloucester.
Midweek Musings is column that rotates among Cape Ann’s clergy.