Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

EDI in relation to church life is about creating an environment where everyone, regardless of background, identity, or circumstances feels valued, welcomed and able to participate in church life.
It’s about living out the gospel in a way that reflects Gods inclusive love for all people.

Equality:

Ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities to participate in church activities, leadership roles and community life, without discrimination.

Gender Equality:

This ensures that both women and men have equal access to leadership roles.
Equal access to resources, ensuring everyone can access church services, programs, support systems where applicable.

Diversity

The recognition and celebration of differences among members, whether those differences are racial, ethnic, aged-related, sexuality, disability or any other differences. Recognising that we are members of one body and can have a richness of cultural diversity, racial and ethnic diversity, which can be intergenerational and that through that we can enjoy opportunities to connect and learn from each other,

Inclusion:

Creating a church where everyone feels like they belong and can contribute to church life.
Addressing any barriers, structural/cultural that may exist and ensuing that marginalised, or minority groups/individuals are given a voice, presence and participation.

All are welcome,

A radical welcome to those who may have in the past felt not welcomed. For example, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, racial or cultural backgrounds, low socioeconomic status.
Accessible Services catering for people with physical disabilities, wheelchair access, sign language as well as for other unseen disabilities for example neurodivergence.

Inclusive Language.

This should reflect inclusivity and avoid discrimination using gender neutral terms.

Why does EDI matter?

• It reflects God's love, emphasizing love, acceptance and equal worth of all people.
• EDI is a natural outworking of these principles, showing God's unconditional love through our actions.
• It builds community .
• A truly inclusive church creates a space where a diverse community of people can come together and experience unity as the Gospel teaches.
• It calls for Social Justice.

A church committed to EDI is better positioned to understand and address issues of inequality and injustice in society.