News and Views

From the Rev. Stacey Cole-Wilson
Executive Minister of Beloved Community

The Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church has long been committed to upholding the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. These core principles are not only grounded in our lived experience as the Body of Christ, but they are also deeply embedded in the theological teachings of Scripture, our United Methodist traditions (which include our Social Principles and Book of Resolutions), and the broader Christian call to justice. The pursuit of equity, diversity, and inclusion is integral to living out the Gospel’s radical message of love, unity, and justice for all people, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, ability, or social status.

Theological Foundation

1. The Image of God (Imago Dei):
   Genesis 1:26-27 reminds us that every human being is created in the image of God:
   “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness... So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.’”
   From the very beginning, God’s intent for humanity was diversity—our uniqueness is a reflection of God's divine creativity. Therefore, upholding diversity honors God’s own nature and purpose in creation.
2. The Unity of the Body of Christ:
   In 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Paul teaches us that the church, as the Body of Christ, consists of many parts, yet it is one body:
   “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”
   The diversity within the Body of Christ is not something to be feared or diminished, but rather embraced and celebrated. The fullness of the church's witness and ministry is realized when we recognize the worth, dignity, and contributions of all people, regardless of background or identity.
3. Equitable Treatment and God’s Justice:
   The Bible is replete with God's call for justice, particularly for those who are marginalized or oppressed. Micah 6:8 reminds us, "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." The call to equitable treatment of all people is not an option, but a command, one that reflects God’s heart for justice and fairness.
4. Jesus’ Ministry to Those Who Were Marginalized:
   Jesus himself modeled radical inclusion in his ministry. He consistently reached out to those who were excluded or oppressed by society—women, and people who are poor, sick, Gentile, and outcast. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus declares his mission:
   “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
   Jesus' message was one of liberation for all people, especially those who had been denied dignity or opportunity. As his followers, we are called to embody the same inclusive love, promoting equity and justice for all.

Building the Body of Christ

As the Baltimore-Washington Conference, we are called to model the inclusive love of Christ. Our diversity—whether in race, ethnicity, age, gender, socio-economic status, or ability—is a gift that enriches the Body of Christ. We must work together to create a community where all people, especially those marginalized by society, are valued, seen, and heard.

Supporting equity involves advocating for systems that offer equal access and opportunity to all people. It is not enough to simply affirm diversity; we must actively dismantle the barriers that perpetuate inequality. This means addressing issues such as racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, xenophobia and other forms of discrimination that exist within and outside of the church. Through advocacy, education, and intentional action, we must strive to make justice a reality for all.

A Call to Prayer

In light of these truths, we invite all members of the Baltimore-Washington Conference to join in prayer for God’s guidance and strength in this journey toward greater equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Gracious and loving God, We thank You for the gift of diversity and for the ways in which our differences reflect Your creative brilliance. We pray that You would help us to see the value and worth in all people, regardless of race, gender, age, ability, or background. Empower us as Your church to break down the walls of division and build up a community that mirrors Your kingdom—a kingdom of justice, mercy, and love.

We confess that we have often fallen short of Your call to love our neighbors as ourselves. Forgive us for the ways we have perpetuated inequity, and grant us the courage to make things right. Give us the wisdom to build systems that are just, the humility to listen to those who are marginalized, and the strength to act for change.

We pray for Your Holy Spirit to guide the leaders of our Conference so that they may lead with hearts full of compassion and conviction. We pray for unity in the Body of Christ, that we might come together as one in the service of Your will.
In the name of Jesus, who welcomed all, we pray. Amen.

Through this prayer, and through our collective action, let us strive to make the church a place where all people are welcomed, loved, and valued—just as Christ has welcomed and loved us.

A Call to Action

In addition to a theological foundation for diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church  is called to not only uphold these principles in word but also to actively engage in policy interventions and community change that reflect the justice and compassion of Christ. This is an urgent call to put faith into action, advocating for systemic transformation both within our church and in the communities we serve. Here are some practical calls to action that focus on policy and community change:

Advocate for Racial Justice and Reconciliation

The church must be an active voice in addressing the deep-rooted racial inequalities that persist in our society. This involves both personal transformation and structural change. Our call to action includes:

• Policy Action - Advocate for policies that address racial disparities in education, healthcare, employment, and the criminal justice system. This may include supporting initiatives such as police reform, fair housing policies, and efforts to eliminate racial bias in legal systems.
• Community Change - Establish dialogue groups and educational programs within the local church that promote racial reconciliation and the dismantling of systemic racism. Encourage local congregations to engage with and support organizations that are already working in these areas.
• Resource Allocation - Set aside funds to support community organizations that are dedicated to racial justice, especially those led by people of color. This demonstrates tangible support for long-term change.

Support Inclusive Economic Opportunity

The church must work toward equitable economic policies that ensure fair access to opportunity for everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our communities.

• Policy Action - Advocate for living wages, fair employment practices, and equitable access to affordable housing. Support policies that protect workers’ rights, create job opportunities, and reduce wealth inequity.
• Community Change – Create and/or identify job training programs and mentorship opportunities that equip marginalized groups, including women, minorities, and people with disabilities, with the skills needed to thrive in today’s economy. Partner with local businesses to ensure that underrepresented communities have access to employment opportunities.
• Local Action -  Encourage church members to volunteer their time or resources to support community development efforts, such as food banks, shelters for those unhoused, and job readiness programs.

 Address Gender Inequality and Center Women’s Rights

Gender-based inequality remains a significant challenge in our society and within the church. As a body of believers committed to justice, the BWC must be proactive in ensuring that women and girls have equal access to opportunities and resources.

• Policy Action -  Advocate for policies that close the gender pay gap, protect women from violence and discrimination, and ensure reproductive rights and healthcare access for all. Support legislation that empowers women in leadership positions and positions of influence.
• Community Change -  Establish mentorship and empowerment programs within the church to encourage and support women in ministry and leadership roles. Advocate for the ordination of women and ensure that female voices are heard in church decision-making processes.
• Practical Steps -  Create spaces within the church where women’s voices are central—whether through leadership development programs, Bible studies that specifically address the challenges women face, or conferences and retreats focused on empowerment and growth. Join our Gender Equity team and utilize the Commission on the Status and Role of Women Resources.

Confront Ableism and Support People with Disabilities

A truly inclusive church is one that is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. The BWC is committed to creating policies that are inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible. We welcome individuals with disabilities and actively work to remove barriers to full participation.

• Policy Action - Advocate for local, state, and federal policies that provide better support for people with disabilities, including increased accessibility to public spaces, healthcare, and employment. Support the full implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws designed to protect people with disabilities.
• Community Change - Make churches fully accessible to people with disabilities—this may include physical accessibility (such as ramps and elevators), as well as creating inclusive worship experiences, such as offering sign language interpreters or accessible technology for people with hearing or vision impairments.
• Educational Programs -  Train church leaders and congregations on disability awareness and how to engage with people with disabilities respectfully and inclusively. Create spaces where people with disabilities can be fully engaged in ministry, leadership, and service.
• Practical Steps – Learn more about our Disability Commission and connect with the Accessibility Coordinator, Rev. Leo Yates, or visit the website to learn more about the accessibility audit.

 Promote Environmental Justice and Sustainability

As we advocate for social justice, we must also recognize the importance of caring for God’s creation and ensuring that environmental issues do not disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

• Policy Action: Advocate for climate change policies that prioritize the protection of vulnerable communities. Support legislation that addresses environmental racism—where poor, predominantly Black and Brown communities face disproportionate environmental hazards—and promotes renewable energy sources, sustainable farming, and green jobs.
• Community Change: Establish eco-friendly initiatives within the church, such as energy-saving programs, community gardens, and partnerships with local environmental justice groups. Encourage members to engage in practices that reduce waste, promote sustainability, and protect the environment.
• Faith in Action: Engage in activism for climate justice, supporting campaigns and organizations that work to address environmental issues, especially in communities most impacted by pollution and climate change. Incorporate creation care into the church’s educational and outreach programs.
• In Practice – join the Creation Care Team, become an earthkeeper, join a green team and learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals. Share UM Social Principles, Stewardship of Creation.

Promote Access to Quality Education for All

Education is a cornerstone of equity and opportunity. Churches must advocate for and support educational policies and initiatives that give every child, regardless of background, a fair chance to succeed.

• Policy Action - Advocate for equitable funding of public schools, particularly in underfunded communities. Support policies that address disparities in education, including access to advanced coursework, special education, and technology. Call for an end to the school-to-prison pipeline that disproportionately affects minority children.
• Community Change - Establish tutoring, mentorship, and scholarship programs within the church that support children and youth from underserved communities. Create partnerships with local schools to provide resources, after-school programs, and enrichment opportunities.
• Practical Steps - Encourage church members to become involved in local school boards, education advocacy groups, and mentorship programs to ensure that every child has access to the quality education they deserve.

 Create Safe Spaces for Refugees and Immigrants

As a church, we are called to welcome the stranger, particularly those fleeing violence, war, and poverty. This includes advocating for the rights and dignity of refugees and immigrants.

• Policy Action - Advocate for just immigration policies that treat all people with dignity, protect family unity, and offer pathways to citizenship. Support sanctuary efforts and work with local organizations to assist immigrants in obtaining legal assistance, housing, and employment.
• Community Change - Offer support services such as language classes, job training, and cultural orientation for refugees and immigrants in your community. Help integrate immigrant families into the life of the church, creating spaces where they are welcomed and supported.
• Practical Action - Encourage congregations to participate in refugee resettlement programs and work in partnership with local organizations to ensure that new arrivals feel welcomed and valued as part of the community. See all of our Immigration Resources and join the Immigration Rights Team.

Leading with Justice and Love

As the Baltimore-Washington Conference, we are called to lead with justice and love, advocating for policies that dismantle systemic inequities and transform our communities. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility demands action—on both the local and systemic levels. Through prayer, advocacy, and direct action, we can work to create a world that reflects the fullness of God’s kingdom, where all are seen, heard, and valued. Let us act with urgency, compassion, and hope.