Message from the Transitional Synod Leader: Honoring the Fullness of Our Shared Story

“There is only one thing more dangerous than the individual ego or my story, and that’s the group ego that insists that our story is the measure of all things and so seeks to label other stories as ignorant, dangerous, or inferior.” – Richard Rohr

For years, people have questioned the significance of dedicating months to highlight the histories and contributions of different ethnic groups. Why do we need to emphasize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)? Is it really necessary to make space for these stories? And in contrast, why is a phrase like "White Power" problematic?

Richard Rohr’s words strike at the heart of the issue: for much of our nation’s history, the story of whiteness has been held as the dominant narrative. Today we add to this list the patriarchal dominant paradigms that stand as the measurement for all other stories often at the expense of other voices. This version of history, incomplete and distorted, has shaped what is considered "normal" in American society. Yet, the stories outside of the Euro-American framework—stories of Indigenous peoples, African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and so many others—are not just side notes. They are narratives of resilience, ingenuity, and community, filled with the undeniable imprint of divine presence.

Consider the countless contributions of Black inventors, scientists, educators, and leaders whose legacies have been overlooked or erased. Many schools have failed to teach these histories, leaving generations unaware of the vital role Black people have played in shaping science, medicine, industry, and education. Each year, I discover more about these innovators—individuals who created despite obstacles, who, like the Israelites making bricks without straw, found ways to build and thrive against all odds. The Lost Histories of African American Inventors is just one resource that sheds light on these remarkable achievements (Smithsonian: Lost Histories of African American Inventors).

What Can the Church Do?

The Church, as a place of truth and justice, has a critical role in addressing these disparities. Step one is engaging in theological reflection on the Imago Dei—the belief that all people bear the image of God. What does it mean when an entire people’s story is erased? How has history used exclusion as a method of oppression? And most importantly, what does the world lose when we create artificial divisions among God's children?

I have learned from my ancestors the value of education, self-determination, community, and—above all—faith. These are not just cultural values but biblical truths. Scripture is full of stories of perseverance: of David standing against Goliath, of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea, of three men thrown into the fiery furnace only to emerge unscathed. These are not just tales of survival; they are testimonies to God’s power to uplift the oppressed, to transform hardship into hope.

And these truths are not limited to one people or one culture. Across the world, diverse communities have drawn strength from Scripture, finding in it a model for dignity, purpose, and resistance against forces that seek to erase their worth.

It is time to celebrate those whose contributions have been sidelined. It is time to affirm the goodness and divine image found in all people. The Church, as a witness to God’s justice and love, must be a space where every story is honored—not just those that have historically been given the microphone. When we embrace the fullness of our collective story, we move closer to the Kindom vision of unity, justice, and the beloved community.

Let us listen, learn, and uplift the voices that have been silenced for too long. Let us proclaim the sacred worth of every person. And let us do the work of making history whole again.

Rev. Ashley