Reflections on Growing Up in the Sixties
“What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
— Micah 6:8
As a female minister who came of age during the sixties, I still struggle to understand why diversity, equity, and inclusion make some people uneasy. I grew up in a time when we marched, prayed, and believed every child of God deserved dignity. We did not stand up for civil rights because it was fashionable. We stood up because it was right. So when DEI is treated as dangerous, I am left asking a simple question: Where is the fear coming from?
In plain language, diversity means different people are welcomed in the room. Equity means people get a fair shot. Inclusion means nobody is treated like they do not belong. That is not radical. It is fairness—making sure everybody has a seat at the table, a voice in the room, and a real chance to flourish.
If you know your Bible, then you know the truth underneath all of this. Genesis 1:27 tells us we are made in the image of God, which means every person carries God-given worth. Micah 6:8 reminds us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. So when I hear talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion, I hear an echo of the justice, mercy, and human dignity God has called us to all along.
The sixties taught me that fear can be loud, but love still speaks louder. I saw people lock arms in the face of hatred and churches become places of courage. We were not trying to take dignity from anyone. We were trying to make sure dignity reached everybody. At its best, DEI is not about shutting people out. It is about opening the door wider.
So no, I am not afraid of DEI. I am more troubled by the fear that keeps us from loving our neighbors well. 1 John 4:18 says perfect love casts out fear, and Galatians 3:28 reminds us that in Christ, the walls between us do not get the last word. If God welcomes all, then the church, the workplace, and the wider world should reflect that welcome too. This is not the time to shrink back from what is right. It is the time to stand tall in love, walk boldly in justice, and remember that every human being bears the image of God.
Minister A Francine Green, May 2026