Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Lutheran Perspective (Part Two: Equity)
Part Two: Equity
What is Equity?
Equity, within the context of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), is the endeavor to achieve justice and fairness in the treatment and opportunities afforded to all individuals, particularly those who have been historically disenfranchised or disadvantaged.
Viewed through a theological lens, equity embodies the divine mandate to acknowledge the intrinsic dignity of every individual, created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1.27), and to guarantee that societal frameworks and practices correspond with this truth.
Equity transcends mere equality, which sometimes presupposes that uniform treatment is adequate. It recognizes that individuals and groups hold varying starting places due to institutional injustices, historic discrimination, or personal circumstances. Therefore, equity aims to rectify these gaps by offering targeted support, resources, and opportunities for all individuals to succeed and thrive.
In practice, equality within DEI frameworks entails establishing policies and mechanisms that eliminate obstacles to inclusion and participation. Two significant measures implemented by the federal government that underscore equity are the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensure accessibility in public spaces, businesses, and educational institutions.
Equity in Scripture
The concept of equity is not overlooked in Scripture. In fact, it’s a deeply rooted concept that spans the books of the Bible, emphasizing the importance of lifting up the marginalized and oppressed. The Prophet Isaiah recalls from his vision the instruction, “learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow (1.17 NRSV). Here, equity is demonstrated as actively addressing systemic injustices and advocating for those who are disenfranchised.
Micah, another prophet, succinctly conveys the scriptural imperative for equity, stating: “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (6.8 NRSV). The prophets underscore the significance of justice in God's perspective, which should be the aspiration of the faithful on earth.
My favorite illustration is Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4.1-12), where he departs from cultural and gender conventions by not only disclosing his identity as the Messiah but also addressing the woman's spiritual and social needs, thereby demonstrating equity by engaging with an individual marginalized due to her ethnicity and gender.
The parables also offer insight on the importance of equity; consider the parable of the vineyard workers where the landowner pays all the workers the same wage , regardless of how long they worked (Matthew 20.1-16). This parable always makes for an interesting children’s sermon experience, but children often get the point of equity when you focus on each worker receiving what they needed to sustain themselves, regardless of their starting point.
A scene from Jesus' ministry that exemplifies God's devotion to equity is found in the Sermon on the Mount, where the Beatitudes are presented to the crowd:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew 5.3-12)
The Gospels contain numerous examples of Jesus demonstrating equity by attending to the specific needs of individuals and groups. His behavior and teachings contest societal standards and embody God's justice and love for all individuals. Similar to the Beatitudes, Jesus presents a model for Christians to seek equity in their lives and communities.
A Lutheran Perspective
The Lutheran Confessions illustrate equity as a universal principle of repentance, forgiveness, and the unbiased function of the church in dispensing God’s grace. The principles of the Confessions ensure equitable and just treatment of all individuals in their spiritual journeys, reflecting the inclusive and limitless nature of God's love.
Luther and his contemporaries did not employ the modern phrase 'equity' as it is currently understood, particularly with regard to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. His writings and teachings embody concepts of equity and justice, while also addressing the needs of the marginalized in his society. Luther’s major treatise The Freedom of a Christian (1520) examines the paradoxical essence of Christian freedom, highlighting the interplay between faith, works, and the Christian's duty to serve God and others. The Freedom of a Christian articulates the notion of equity by encouraging Christians to prioritize the needs of others, especially those who are vulnerable, as a manifestation of faith that denounces human selfishness and embraces authentic transformation.
Lutherans have inherited from the Reformation a strong sense of justice, freedom, and love that serve as the bolt cutters to cut the heavy chains of believing salvation can be earned. Such freedom then permits the believer to accept the invitation to live a life of faith, love, and service. Along with the Lutheran Confessions, The Freedom of a Christian, underline the transforming power of faith and our obligation to reflect Christ by serving others.
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