Counsels on Social Issues

Counsel #26 — Diversity and Inclusion

Picture: Counsel #26 — Diversity and Inclusion CSI 44.1

Visualize this: showing up to work every day knowing you have to work twice as hard as your colleague counterpart just to be seen, heard, or respected. Or imagine how it feels walking into a meeting room and realizing you’re the only person who looks like you, feeling the weight of needing to prove you belong. CSI 44.2

For many people of color, this is their reality in workplaces that aren’t built, created, or run with diversity or equity in mind. Unfortunately, the workplace is where many minorities experience isolation, tokenism, and unseen barriers every day, which makes equitable practices and policies that much more necessary. In today’s corporate world, racial equity isn’t about checking boxes for diversity - it’s about building workplaces where no one feels like an outsider, and where every voice is genuinely valued. Real inclusion means addressing the silent biases that show up in hiring, promotions, pay, and leadership decisions. Spiritually, God cares about justice everywhere, including where we work. True equity happens when belonging isn’t a privilege for a few but a reality for everyone.^[83] CSI 44.3

“But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” James 2:9 NIV CSI 44.4

“Unity in diversity is God’s plan. Among the followers of Christ there is to be the blending of diverse elements…” Ellen White in Our High Calling, p. 169 CSI 44.5

Reflect: Do your actions or just your words show that you value equity? CSI 44.6