Discipleship Ministries Reaffirms Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

NASHVILLE, Tenn. March 27, 2025/Discipleship Ministries/ - The Board of Directors, governing body of Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church has reaffirmed its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy.

During a recent board meeting, the Board of Directors reviewed and reaffirmed the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy, underscoring the agency’s theological commitment to justice and the full participation of all people in the life of the church.

“Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, and this means ensuring that every person who encounters United Methodist communities and ministries—regardless of race, gender, ability, or background—can feel a place of belonging the way God intends,” said Rev. Jeff Campbell, General Secretary and CEO of Discipleship Ministries.

A Policy of Accountability and Action

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy of Discipleship Ministries proclaims:

“As Christian disciples, we are called to obedience in Christ. We are told to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8).

Again, the New Testament admonishes, “There is no such thing as Jew and Greek, slave and free man, male and female; you are all one person in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28, NEB).

We understand that the God we worship and serve is a continuing Creator and Redeemer bringing all creation to oneness in Christ. We also understand that the church and its institutions are places where God is to be glorified, and humankind is to be served. All recent General Conferences have reaffirmed the openness of United Methodist Church membership (all persons, without regard to race, color, national origin, or economic condition, shall be included). They also have reaffirmed our support for social and economic justice and the rights of women and ethnic minorities.

The United Methodist Church is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports equal opportunity employment in all segments of society. The Book of Discipline, ¶140 (Called to Inclusiveness), ¶716 (Policies Relative to Non-Discrimination) clearly states The United Methodist Church's position:

“It shall be the policy of The United Methodist Church that all agencies and institutions . . . . shall: (a) recruit, employ, utilize, recompense, and promote their professional staff and other personnel in a manner consistent with the commitment of The United Methodist Church to women and men of all races and ethnic origins, including persons with disabilities; (b) fulfill their duties and responsibilities in a manner that does not involve segregation or discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, sex, or disability including HIV status; and (c) provide for adequate representation by laity.” (¶716, The Book of Discipline)

Statement from the Board

President of the Board of Directors, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, stated “In a season when diversity, equity, and inclusion face heightened scrutiny in the public square, Discipleship Ministries stands unwavering in its resolve. Rooted in our biblical and theological foundation, we affirm our commitment to embodying the radical love of Christ. Guided by the Wesleyan call to holiness and justice, we dedicate ourselves to the transformative work of faith—a faith that seeks justice, honors the dignity of all God’s creation, and reflects the inclusive nature of the Reign of God.”

To learn more about the mission of Discipleship Ministries and its subsidiary, The Upper Room, visit umcdiscipleship.org and upperroom.org.

The mission of Discipleship Ministries is to support annual conference and local church leaders for their task of equipping world-changing disciples. An agency of The United Methodist Church, Discipleship Ministries is located at 1908 Grand Ave. in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, visit www.UMCdiscipleship.org, the Press Center at www.UMCdiscipleship.org/about/press-center or call the Communications Office at (877) 899-2780, Ext. 1726.