Inclusion & Equity
Identity politics often pit people against each other among racial, cultural and partisan groups for power. There is a desperate need for spaces where we can truly belong without losing who we are. The church has the opportunity and the calling to model something profoundly different.
In the ELCA social statement Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture (1993), Christ “breaks down walls of cultural exclusivity,” inspiring us to create a community of genuine belonging with every member accepted and celebrated, authentically. Scripture speaks of one humanity created by God in wondrous diversity and we are called to love one another, just as Christ loves us.
When backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion intensifies and associated personnel and programs are cut, the church has an extraordinary opportunity: to become a living demonstration of what is possible when it chooses belonging over assimilation.
Dedicated to Full Life and Participation
We are dedicated to fostering an environment that honors the diversity of God’s creation so that as many people as possible can participate fully in the life and work of this church. The ELCA defines DEIA terms in its constitution:
- Diversity is a reality rooted in the variety found in the body of Christ: the wide range of communities and identities related to race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexuality, age, background, ability, socio-economic status, culture, and perspective.
- Equity refers to the fair treatment of people according to their individual needs. The principle of equity acknowledges that, due to poverty, sexism, racism, and other factors, individuals or groups may require different resources and support to ensure they have the same rights and abilities to make choices as others do.
- Inclusion means the proactive and meaningful engagement of diverse individuals in all aspects of church life, especially in decision-making processes and leadership roles, creating a church culture of welcome, respect, and value for unique perspectives and abilities.
- Accessibility means aspiring to develop and maintain this church’s physical infrastructure, information, communication technology, programs, and services to maximize participation.
Vibrant Ministries, Freed in Christ
Gender Justice and Women’s Empowerment
Reflecting God’s Wholeness
ReconcilingWorks
Immigration Justice Ministry
A Journey Across Race and Class
Faith-based Journey to Learn and Share
Troubling the Waters For Healing of the Church
In humility and repentance, white Christians are called to confront power, privilege and prejudice. Rooted in baptism, we rise in Christ to seek justice and peace, refusing passive complicity and becoming partners in God’s reconciling work.
Language resources on inclusion, bias, disabilities, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.
Resources that equip congregations and leaders for inclusive, youth, campus, outdoor and justice work.
Eliminate barriers and embrace inclusion in the context of camp, church and similar settings.
Vital resources and inspiring, thoughtful stories regarding race, disability, white privilege and LGBTQIA+ siblings.
One Body, Many Members: Parts 1, 2 & 3
The process of building and preparing a leadership team y is an essential first step for your group or congregation. This video introduces “One Body, Many Members.” As Lutherans, we’re called to embrace every person and confront barriers that fuel injustice, inequality, exclusion and violence. Part 1 helps your congregation craft a bold, inclusive vision--the first intentional step in living out this call.
You can download free printable resources that accompany the video.
In this section, we look at how we can meet our neighbors with a deeper recognition of our cultural biases and expand our awareness of culture and how it shapes lives and relationships. Follow God’s lead into openness, see through another’s eyes and deepen conversation in this video.
Part 2 Materials:
- Meeting Our Neighbors
- Exploring Cultural Depth
- My Neighbor’s World
- Communication
- Bible Study
- Going Deeper
- Table of Welcome
- Action Steps
- Self-Reflection
You can download free printable resources related to this video through the links above or by following this link.
What do we do now? The journey of transformation is not easy and certainly not conflict-free. These materials will help guide discussion and biblical study.
- Challenges of Diversity
- Issues of Power
- Communication and Conflict
- Bible Study
- Going Deeper
- Living Cross-Culturally
You can access free printable resources related to the video by clicking the links above or by following this link.
