Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs were first implemented in businesses and government hiring practices following the civil rights movement.
A recent New York Times article cited a webpage on the U.S. Department of Labor website that defined diversity as acknowledging how people differ. These differences “include race, sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, and more.” The webpage was removed two days after the new administration officially started.
Journalist Neil Vigdor, who reported from every battleground state during the last election, writes that DEI became a four-letter word for conservatives and a wedge issue. The new administration pledged to eliminate DEI programs altogether. DEI programs expanded following the 2020 murder of George Floyd. His brutal murder “ushered in a national reckoning over racial discrimination that brought sweeping changes to many powerful institutions and a renewed emphasis on D.E.I. initiatives.”
In an interview on PBS, Shaun Harper stated that eliminating DEI is “Bad for our democracy” because it increases polarization and divisiveness. Moreover, Harper anticipates that these changes “will cost the American taxpayers millions, perhaps billions of dollars as many Americans are experiencing harassment, discrimination, and abuse,” problems that DEI policies and programs helped protect against.
Speaking of diversity, this week’s devotional readings encourage us to read about Jesus inviting His “motley crew of misfits” to become His disciples. Our authors remind us that Simon Peter was often emotional and impulsive, and he was also afraid of things. Nathanael was certain that no one coming from Nazareth could be great.
None came with as much baggage as Matthew, however. In Luke and Mark, he is referred to as Levi. His vocation is associated with dishonesty and a willingness to exploit friends and neighbors. Matthew is a “money-grubbing tax collector.”
Amanda Jenkins and Kristen Hendricks remind us that Matthew’s credentials “was exactly the kind of self-reliant, succeed-at-all-costs, follow-your-own-truth ethos our world goes bananas over.”
But Matthew left his lucrative past-life behind when He met Jesus. In The Chosen series, you see him in the background in earlier scenes. He’s curious about Jesus but keeping his distance.
All three synoptic gospels tell us that Matthew jumped at the chance for redemption, anxious to leave his past behind and follow Jesus. Afterwards, Jesus and others eat supper together at Matthew’s home, where Jesus is condemned by those who find it disgraceful that he would sit at the same table with “those people.”
Jesus was having a meal in Levi’s house. Many tax collectors and other outcasts followed Him, joining Jesus and His disciples at the table.
Mark 2:13-17
Our worship band often sings a song about the diversity of persons invited to the Lord’s Supper. A ritual we call Holy Communion. The song begins with the reality, “We all start on the outside. The outside looking in. This is where grace begins.”
The bridge names and describes the diverse crowd expected, including thieves, doubters, heroes and cowards, prisoners and soldiers, the young and the old, the hungry and the thirsty, the last and the first, the paupers, princes, all who have failed, dreamers, those who suffer, those who grieve, the chained and the free, those who follow, and those who lead. Anyone who’s been let down, those who feel lost, and all who have been labelled right or wrong are included.
In fact, anyone who hears this song is invited to the table of Jesus Christ. Wow! Talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion!
The second verse invites us to “Come meet this motley crew of misfits. These liars and these thieves.” The verse concludes with “There’s no one unwelcome here.”
What if Jesus decided to eliminate DEI programs in how He chooses people to follow Him? Who would be left out?
The truth is, no one is left out who is willing to leave their past behind and is willing to sit and have a conversation about the truth of the gospel.
All who follow Jesus know that they’re among the formerly left out.
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This is a reminder that we publish this newsletter called the Circuit Rider each week. You can request this publication by email. Send a request to FlintAsburyUMC@gmail.com or let us know when you send a message through our website. We post an archive of past editions on our website under the tab Connect – choose Newsletters.
Pastor Tommy
Parts of our series are inspired by The Reverand Adam Hamilton’s series “The People Jesus Loved.” © Church of the Resurrection, 2025. And by Amanda Jenkins, Kristen Hendricks, and Dallas Jenkins. The Chosen: 40 Days with Jesus.© Savage, MN: BroadStreet Publishing, 2019.
Neil Vigdor. “What’s Next for D.E.I. With Trump Back in Office?.” © New York Times, Jan. 22, 2025. Retrieved from: link
John Yang, Ali Rogin, Kaisha Youn, and Zoie Lambert. “The history of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in America.” © PBS News, Feb 8, 2025. Retrieved from: link
Ben Glover, Ben McDonald, and Dave Frey.“Come to the Table.” © 9t One Songs; Ariose Music; Mike Curb Music; Pencil Prophet Publishing; Run Run Milo. CCLI License # 1180758. CCLI Song # 7036352.