GLORIA DEI: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Embraced Here

Washington Avenue, Beloved:

In early February, I wrote to you in The Spire about “Gloria DEI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Give Glory to God.” That title was a wordplay both rooted in Church tradition and speaking into our present moment. In Latin, Dei means “of God,” and in our modern context, DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. When we hold these meanings together, we declare that embracing DEI reveals the glory of God.

Since then, our journey together—especially through our work with Dr. Bar McClure and Just Values—has made something beautiful clear: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are not just ideals; they are spiritual priorities that shape our mission, our discipleship, and the very way we follow Jesus. We’ve heard these values named by lay leaders in our calls to worship, prayers of the people, and invitations to stewardship and communion. Again and again, the Spirit is urging us to name boldy these values as core to who we are—and who God is calling us to become.

And now, in the spirit of hope and courage, we’re making that identity visible.

After months of discernment, our church Elders unanimously decided to place a banner on our front lawn. Yesterday, Marty Rowe and I installed it. It reads: “GLORIA DEI: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Embraced Here.” Elders chose the word embraced intentionally as it speaks to more than action—it speaks to affection. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are not just strategies; they are gospel-rooted values we hold close with love and conviction.

This banner is more than a sign. It’s a witness. It proclaims to everyone who passes by that this is a community where the radical welcome of Jesus is not just spoken, but lived.

And there’s more good news: thanks to the generosity of a donor, individual yard signs with this message are available—free—for the first 25 households who request one. You can reserve yours by emailing Lainey Kabat at lainey@waccelyria.org. Imagine our neighborhoods dotted with these signs—each one a plain declaration and a public demonstration of the very best, most beautiful, gospel-good news of Jesus Christ!

When I shared a photo of our lawn banner with the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, President of Brite Divinity School, he texted back, “Amen!!!” Dr. McClure replied, “Awesome! You guys are on fire!” Could there be any more fitting responses in this Pentecost season when the Spirit sets the Church ablaze?

Thank you, dear church, for your courage. For your clarity. For your love. It’s not easy to step out boldly in today’s world—but you are doing it. And in doing so, you are bearing witness to the future God wants and ultimately will have.

(Pssst… Have you reserved your yard sign yet?)

GLORIA DEI,