First United Methodist Church

Service Times

9am Contemporary | 11am Traditional

DEI Ministry

Our Vision:

We love and embrace the diversity in all of God’s creations and the beauty of humankind. By resisting bias and revealing divisions in our church and surrounding communities, we strive to listen deeply to all points of view; to develop honest, authentic, and courageous relationships; to educate ourselves; and to work toward wholeness by centering the love of Jesus.

Our central image is a multi-threaded and multicolor ribbon that is dynamically ascending, progressing, and growing. We believe our church family is most vibrant when we love one another across difference and beyond agreement, honoring each person’s unique contribution to our common work of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion names our commitment to bringing people of different backgrounds and identities together (“diversity”), making sure we understand and provide for each person’s unique needs (“equity”), and empowering everyone to show up with their own voice, story, and creativity (“inclusion”). We believe that this work nurtures our curiosity, humility, and intentionality—all essential virtues for disciples who seek to be more like Christ. While recognizing that we all live in fractured systems dominated by isolation and loneliness, we work to nurture a community of belonging for all God’s children.

Our Impact:

Since our formation in 2017, the DEI Ministry has been committed to careful study and generous dialog. Under the leadership of Tonya Tolson (Chair, 2018–2022), DEI hosted numerous, vibrant book studies, including Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson and Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. Oriented to Love has been a key partner as well, as multiple members attended Oriented to Love retreats focused on generative Christian dialog about sexuality and gender. In 2022, DEI hosted a Fishbowl dialog with Oriented to Love to model the relationships that are possible across differences in theology and identity.

Past Book Studies
Kaitlin Curtice at Winter Park Library

DEI continues to center the work of peacemaking and celebrating difference within our church family. In 2024, we piloted a Colossian Forum curriculum around political identity, culminating with a short documentary film about participant’s spiritual growth. We also convened a community screening of the film God & Country, partnering with the Interfaith Council of Central Florida to denounce the threats of Christian nationalism while upholding the values of multiculturalism and respect. 2024 also saw our church’s first time marching in Orlando’s Come Out With Pride parade, carrying a banner that read “You Are God’s Beloved.”

Black History Month films at Reeves Center
God & Country Documentary Night

Further Study:

The questions we carry are important. If you’re curious about LGBTQ inclusion, antiracism, or Christian nationalism, we would recommend these books and documentaries from past programs as rich starting places for independent or small group study.

LGBTQ Inclusion

Changing Our Minds
By David Gushee

An approachable, scholarly exploration of the biblical case for inclusion, written by a leading evangelical ethicist who began his career with non-affirming views before becoming convinced that God desires full inclusion of LGBTQ Christians.

Oriented to Faith
By Tim Otto

An excellent resource for small group discussion, Tim explores the big picture of gender and sexuality in Scripture, presenting competing arguments without taking a side, while drawing on lived experience as a gay, celibate pastor.

For They Know Not What They Do (Documentary)

The story of four LGBTQ teenagers and young adults who, together with their Christian families, navigate their identities in politically-charged climates.

Antiracism

Just Mercy
By Bryan Stevenson

An approachable, firsthand account of Bryan’s work to exonerate wrongly condemned persons awaiting execution. The book centers on the story of Walter McMilllian as well as the broader work of the Equal Justice Initiative.

Caste
By Isabel Wilkerson

A dense but worthwhile read and a seminal, historical review of racial hierarchy and inequity in American society. Wilkerson explores eight pillars of caste systems in civilizations while offering hope for healing our divisions.

13th
(Documentary)

Ava DuVernay’s exploration of mass incarceration in America, featuring countless interviews with scholars, activists, and politicians.

Christian Nationalism

The Flag and the Cross
By Philip Gorski & Samuel Perry

A sociological review of the spectrum of white Christian nationalism present in many American church spaces. The book presents original research, historical reviews, and reflections on contemporary political struggles.

Jesus and John Wayne 
By Kristin Kobes Du Mez

A thorough historical tracing of nationalist, patriarchal, and authoritarian trends within American Christian spaces in the 20th and 21st centuries.

God & Country
(Documentary)

An explosive exploration of authoritarian movements in America and their entanglement with Christian history and traditions. An excellent resource for public and interfaith conversations.

Stay In Touch:

Please reach out to join with us, or use the form below to sign up for our monthly newsletter. We are stronger together, and everyone is invited!

Questions? Contact Us!

We would love to connect with you and answer any questions you may have! Email our team at DEI@fumcwp.org to learn more!

Our Team:

David B. Witwer, Committee Chair

Committee Members:
Will Bosserman
Joffa Braymer
Charon Hannink
Luis Nieves-Ruiz
David Stokes
Maureen Witwer
Caroline Payne, Student Seat