Why is the Church not completely inclusive?

In a world that increasingly values diversity and equality this is an important question. Our contributors all acknowledge that despite the church’s foundational teachings of love and acceptance, it has often struggled with issues of inclusivity, leaving many people feeling marginalised or excluded. Each of them, however, remain part of the church, and offer valuable insights to help the church journey along the path of becoming more inclusive.

Natalie refers to the analogy in 1 Corinthians 12 of the church as the body of Christ, and highlights that the biblical ideal of the church is an inclusive one, with its many and diverse parts working together in harmony. Jesus told his disciples to “preach the good news to all nations” (Mark 16:15) a directive which also underscores the notion that the Church should be inclusive of everyone, regardless of their background or identity. This ideal, however, is not always realized in practice and some people come to the church seeking belonging but find themselves feeling excluded.

When Natalie first felt called to ordination, she faced questions about her suitability because of her gender and working-class background. She encountered resistance from those who believed women should not hold positions of authority within the Church. This experience of exclusion led her on a personal journey to dialogue with those holding differing views seeking to understand their perspectives. She recognized that everyone arrives at their beliefs for valid reasons and that a lack of inclusivity often stems from deeply held convictions that require empathy to address.

For her, the response to exclusion needs to be love, a central theme of the Christian faith. The commandment is to “love our neighbour as ourselves” and this involves both self-acceptance and the love of others. Natalie suggests that love can change our perspective on inclusivity, and when disagreements arise within the church, approaching them from a place of love is the way to foster greater understanding and acceptance. Policies might need to change, but inclusivity is ultimately about transforming hearts and attitudes.

Janene brings a unique perspective to the discussion by sharing her experiences as a person with a disability. She acknowledges that while the church strives for inclusivity and has done well in terms of physical accessibility (such as ramps and accessible entrances), there are still significant areas for improvement.  A particular concern is around social inclusion for individuals with disabilities because it is the interactions and social connections which are vital in personal growth and spiritual development.

For Janene, it’s important for her to maintain a positive attitude, and this is made possible by her faith. She views her disability as part of God’s plan for her life and is grateful for the way it allows her to connect with people she might not otherwise encounter. Although she views her disability positively, finding purpose and identity within her circumstances, she feels offended by those who assume that she wants to be healed from it. This, Janene says, perpetuates the notion that disability is inherently negative.

Lois brings a younger voice to the conversation and highlights the generational push for equality and inclusivity. She acknowledges that people bring their own biases and prejudices with them to church and have used the Bible to justify their existing discrimination. But she is also hopeful and describes the gradual changes she has witnessed within Christian communities with increasing acceptance of queer people and others, who are now finding places where they can worship and thrive within the church. For Lois, the ministry of Jesus exemplified love and compassion for those on the margins of society, and the church needs to do better at addressing systemic exclusion and embracing diversity.

The question of why the church is not completely inclusive is complex, reflecting a tapestry of historical, cultural, and theological influences. At its best though, when it is reflecting the loving nature of Christ’s teachings, the church is an environment where all individuals feel valued and accepted and is a place where all are truly welcome.