DEI Roundtable participants in a group photo. (GCORR Photo)
Baltimore, MD — The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) of The United Methodist Church convened 25 leaders from across the globe for a strategic gathering titled Reclaiming Equity, Reimagining Belonging: A Strategic DEI Roundtable, held March 23–25, 2026, in Baltimore, Maryland.
Bringing together a diverse group of theologians, clergy, scholars, and community leaders from multiple denominations and cultural contexts, the roundtable created a space for deep discernment, theological reflection, and collaborative strategy in response to increasing resistance to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work.
DEI program participants in a roundtable discussion. (GCORR Photo)
“This was not a conference, but a sacred and strategic convening,” said the Rev. Dr. Giovanni Arroyo, General Secretary of GCORR. “At a time when DEI is being challenged, misunderstood, and even dismantled, the Church is called not to retreat, but to respond with clarity, courage, and faithfulness to the gospel.”
Throughout the three-day gathering, participants engaged three central questions shaping this work:
- What claims anchor Christian DEI as gospel-faithful?
- How do we reclaim DEI amid cultural and political backlash?
- What language helps congregations enter this work even when “DEI” is contested?
The roundtable opened with grounding and framing sessions, including contextual storytelling and a reaffirmation of GCORR’s DEI commitments. Participants then moved into focused group work, engaging in theological reflection, consensus-building, and collaborative development of practical frameworks.
DEI Roundtable participants share in Holy Communion. (GCORR Photo)
“This gathering made space for truth-telling, imagination, and accountability,” said one participant. “It reminded us that equity and belonging are not trends but are rooted in our call as people of faith.”
By the final day, participants presented initial concepts and frameworks developed through collaborative work, with a focus on producing resources that can serve local churches, annual conferences, and broader faith communities navigating contested conversations around DEI.
This roundtable serves as a launch pad for work that GCORR will carry forward over the next several years. This work is designed to resource congregations, leaders, and annual conferences as they navigate increasingly contested terrain while remaining rooted in the gospel’s call to justice, dignity, and belonging.
“This is about reclaiming the narrative,” Arroyo added. “Equity is not a political agenda; it is a gospel mandate. Belonging is not optional. It is essential to who we are as the body of Christ.”
The outcomes of the roundtable will inform future GCORR resources, trainings, and collaborative efforts designed to support leaders and congregations across The United Methodist Church and the wider ecumenical community.
The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) is the antiracism agency of The United Methodist Church, working to equip the Church to lead in matters of race, culture, and equity. Through vital conversations, institutional equity, and intercultural competence, GCORR helps foster a more just and inclusive Church for all.
Jeehye Kim is Senior Director of Communications and Marketing\ for the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR)