Encouraging diversity in decision-making

Wednesday February 28th 2024

Ahead of Easter vestries across the island, the Primate’s Reference Group on Ethnic Diversity, Inclusion and Racial Justice has called on parishes to reflect on the need for diversity in decision-making at all levels in the Church, and how we can ensure that our Church leadership reflects the diversity of our membership.

In this second podcast from the Reference Group, the Rev Eileen Cremin, the Rev Philip McKinley and Dr Lucy Michael discuss how parishes and dioceses can take practical steps to include and recognise the talents of our Church membership in its full diversity, reflecting both the Kingdom of God in its fullness, and the benefits which diversity brings to our internal strength as parishes and dioceses, and to our community, mission and outreach.

Statement by members of the Primate’s Reference Group on Ethnic Diversity, Inclusion and Racial Justice

As Easter Vestries approach, it is an important opportunity for Church of Ireland members to consider the impact of their choices in selecting members to represent the Church in all of its decision-making bodies. Many of our parishes are increasingly diversified in ethnicity and nationality, and some have been ethnically and nationally diverse for decades, but decision-making bodies in the Church of Ireland do not yet reflect this reality.

Every registered member of the Church of Ireland possesses both a vote and a right to stand for office. There is no theological or legal reason why Church of Ireland members from ethnically diverse backgrounds should not be elected to office. However at present the diversity that is a feature of daily life on the island of Ireland, is not yet reflected in the way in which Church of Ireland members vote for their representatives. This must be urgently addressed.

The primary instrument for elected representation in the Church of Ireland is the Select Vestry and therefore the upcoming 2024 Easter Vestry elections provide an ideal opportunity for registered members of the Church of Ireland to use their votes to rectify this imbalance. There are of course also elections to Boards of Nominations, Diocesan and General Synod and other committees throughout the Church of Ireland, which should also encourage diverse membership.

Diverse representation in Select Vestries and beyond is a profoundly Biblical concept. St Paul encourages unity in diversity, describing the Church as being like a human body which has many parts, each with its unique function (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). A diverse leadership team can embody this unity within the Church, the ‘Body of Christ.’

This diversity is a reflection of the beauty and wonder of God’s creation and it signifies the different roles, strengths, and contributions each member brings, emphasising the unity and interconnectedness necessary for the functioning of the body of Christ. A Church with diverse leadership models inclusivity and demonstrates to the world the transformative power of Christian love and unity across cultural, racial, and social boundaries.

Diverse representation in leadership ensures that the voices, experiences, and perspectives of all members of the congregation are heard and valued. A diverse Select Vestry enables members to gain deeper understanding and empathy for the diverse experiences and challenges faced by different communities within and outside the church. Voting is a very practical way to advance the Christian values of compassion, empathy, and loving one’s neighbor.

Having diverse representation in Select Vestries ensures that various perspectives, experiences, and voices are included in decision-making processes, fostering a more inclusive and equitable Church environment. This not only makes us more effective as a Church internally but allows for more effective ministry and outreach too. Diverse Select Vestries also enhance the effectiveness of ministry and outreach efforts by considering the cultural, social, and spiritual nuances of different communities. This way our parishes can become local champions of diversity, witnessing to a society that is increasingly filled with fear-mongering and far-right hatred against people of ethnic diverse backgrounds.

And finally, as many organisations including Churches have discovered, diversity leads to better decision-making. Diversity in perspectives fosters more comprehensive and balanced decision-making. Different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences contribute to a broader spectrum of ideas, leading to more thoughtful and inclusive choices. Ultimately, diverse representation in Select Vestries aligns with the core values of Christianity, promoting inclusivity, love, empathy, and unity among believers. It allows the Church of Ireland to embody its teachings more authentically and effectively impact the world positively.