DEI Sermon Transcript

By Bishop Scott Grey, DTh

Good morning, beloved congregation! Today, we gather with open hearts and open minds to delve deeper into the transformative message of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our church community. Our faith calls us to embrace the full spectrum of humanity, celebrating the beauty and inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their race, sexual orientation, or gender. Today, we embark on a profound journey of reflection and action, as we strive to create a church that truly reflects the inclusive and transformative love of Christ.

Introduction:

In our scripture today, we are reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." These words, inspired by the radical inclusivity of Jesus' ministry, break down the barriers that divide us and call us to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion within our church. Today, we focus on three key areas: embracing the Black community, welcoming the LGBTQ+ community, and empowering women.

I. Embracing the Black Community:

As progressive Christians, we cannot turn a blind eye to the historical and ongoing racial injustices that have plagued our society and, sadly, our churches. We must acknowledge the pain and suffering experienced by our black brothers and sisters and actively work towards dismantling systemic racism within our own community. It is not enough to simply say that we are not racist; we must be actively anti-racist. Let us listen to their stories, amplify their voices, and educate ourselves about the systems of oppression that perpetuate inequality. We must actively engage in anti-racist work to create a church that truly reflects God's vision of justice and equality. This means examining our own biases, advocating for justice in our communities, and building relationships across racial lines. Let us be intentional in creating spaces where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued, regardless of the color of their skin.

II. Welcoming the LGBTQ+ Community:

In the face of prejudice and discrimination, it is our sacred duty as followers of Christ to stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ siblings. We affirm that God's love is boundless and does not discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Let us create a church community where all are free to express their authentic selves without fear, where same-sex relationships are celebrated as sacred expressions of love, and where the gifts and talents of LGBTQ+ individuals are uplifted. This requires active listening, learning, and unlearning. We must challenge the harmful theology that has excluded and harmed our LGBTQ+ siblings. Let us create spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals are fully embraced and their voices are honored, allowing them to share their unique experiences and perspectives. In doing so, we embody the message of love and acceptance that Jesus taught us, fostering a church community that reflects the diversity and fullness of God's creation.

III. Empowering Women:

In the pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion, we must confront and challenge the patriarchal structures that have often silenced and marginalized women within our church. Let us remember that Jesus consistently elevated women, breaking societal norms to affirm their worth and value. We must follow in his footsteps, actively working towards gender equality, ensuring that women are granted equal opportunities for leadership, and their voices are heard and valued in all areas of church life. This means dismantling the barriers that prevent women from fully participating in decision-making processes, amplifying their voices from the pulpit, and supporting their callings to ministry. Let us celebrate the contributions of women throughout history and within our own congregation, recognizing that their perspectives and gifts are vital for the flourishing of our community. In doing so, we embrace the richness that comes from the full inclusion of women and create a church that reflects the equality and justice that Christ envisioned.

Conclusion:

Beloved congregation, we are called to be a church that mirrors God's image in all its glorious diversity. As we strive for diversity, equity, and inclusion, we must remember that this journey is not passive but requires action, empathy, and a willingness to challenge systems of oppression. Let us commit to listening, learning, and unlearning, as we work together to create a church that welcomes and embraces all, regardless of their race, sexual orientation, or gender.

May we be a beacon of love and justice, a refuge for the marginalized, and a catalyst for positive change within our wider community. Let us go forth, inspired by the teachings of Jesus, to build a church that truly embodies the transformative power of love, justice, and inclusion.

Amen.