Building a community where people of every race, identity, and ability are welcomed and celebrated
At Redeemer, we believe that God’s love calls us to stand against racism, reject discrimination, and build a community where people of every race, identity, and ability are welcomed and celebrated. Our commitment to justice grows from our shared values of Love of God, Love of our neighbor, and Love of each other.
The Diversity and Justice Ministry Team helps our congregation live out these values by fostering a bias-free community that cares for all and by creating opportunities for learning, reflection, and action.
RACE
Working against racism and learning about the history and ongoing impact of racial injustice.
Redeemer’s commitment to anti-racism stretches back decades. In the late 1950s, Pastor Robert E. Lee helped author the Ministers’ Manifesto, a statement by Atlanta clergy that condemned segregation. At a time when many congregations excluded people of color, Redeemer remained committed to being a place where all were welcome.
IDENTITY
Affirming and supporting LGBTQ+ people and standing against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Redeemer has also long stood alongside the LGBTQ+ community. During the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s, Redeemer created a ministry team to care for neighbors who were often abandoned by friends, families, and institutions. Redeemer also hosted funerals for those who had died of AIDS when many congregations refused. These actions reflected our belief that God’s love extends to every person and that the church must actively resist discrimination and exclusion.
ABILITY
Creating accessible and inclusive worship, including Rejoicing Spirits services for people of all ages and abilities.
Redeemer’s commitment to justice and belonging also includes people with disabilities. Redeemer hosts Rejoicing Spirits worship, an inclusive service designed for people of all ages and abilities, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In this worship community, difference is celebrated and everyone is invited to participate fully. This ministry reflects our belief that accessibility and belonging are essential to the life of the church and stand alongside our commitments to opposing racism and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.
Learning together through discussions, studies, and events that deepen our understanding of justice and inclusion.
Today, Redeemer continues to build on this foundation through learning, reflection, and community engagement. The Diversity and Justice Ministry Team organizes book studies, conversations, and congregation-wide events that help deepen our understanding of justice and inclusion.
Our commitment to being a Reconciling In Christ (RIC) Partner
Redeemer is also committed to becoming a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation. Through this commitment, we publicly affirm that people of every race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are welcome and valued in the life and leadership of our church. Becoming an RIC congregation reflects Redeemer’s longstanding commitment to opposing racism, standing with LGBTQ+ neighbors, and building a community where all people are treated with dignity and love.
Looking ahead, the ministry team will host learning opportunities on topics such as anti-racism, gender identity, and other emerging issues that help our congregation grow in understanding and compassion. We also plan to organize visits to significant civil rights sites, invite authors and speakers, and partner with other ministry teams to ensure that the principles of diversity, justice, and belonging are reflected throughout Redeemer’s ministries.
If you are interested in learning more about the Diversity and Justice Ministry Team or participating in upcoming events, please contact Pastor Jonathan at jtrapp@redeemer.org.
