“Diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice we make everyday. As leaders, we have to put out the message that we embrace, and not just tolerate, diversity.”
First they came for the communists and I did not speak out because I was not a communist. Then they came for the socialists and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.
— PASTOR MARTIN NIEMÖLLER
Someone once said, “If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.” I am at a stage in my life and ministry where I stand for “Equity, Respect and Inclusion.” This is not an easy thing to say because in many of our social settings it is easier to just keep your mouth closed as people disparage others. As a child of God, I just can’t do that. Everyone is worthy of God’s love and no one should be treated as a “less than.”
In the 1960’s only 2.3% of clergy were women and as of 2017 20.7% are female. Sadly, we still have a lot of work to do to overcome our sexism and constant policing and oppressing of female clergy. The chart above was developed to demonstrate some of the non-official cultural rules women are called to pay attention to or risk being labeled as “not spiritual enough.”
The Cultural Policing of Female Clergy Bodies is real. Imagine the impact on a woman's mind and soul. What does this mean? Is this "policing," the plan of Jesus Christ for women who believe and want to serve? Is this the inheritance we want to pass on to the next generation? Those of us who have been around LONG enough need to speak for those coming behind us who could be "canceled" before they have a chance to get started. Photocredit: LMG Photography
“Do what you feel in your heart to be right — for you’ll be criticized anyway.”
As a Christian futurist, I think about the vision of the church without exclusion and barriers. By working together, we can begin to address the subjects we rarely discuss to make the church a place for all people. Many faith communities exist in old buildings which limit the participation of differently abled people. In many faith communities we limit certain roles to certain gender. Those who are GLBTIQ are told to hide their identity. Those whose ethnic background does not reflect the congregational majority can often be considered suspect and leadership is rarely passed on to the young. We have work to do. I’d love to help guide your conversation.
The world is full of conflict that ought not be. Now is he time to find a way to Co-exist.
Below is a presentation that was shared with the ministry candidates of the New England Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.
