A Welcome from our EDI Officer
As the circuit EDI Officer, welcome to our EDI page.
Before entering ministry, I spent ten years working as a support worker for adults with learning differences. During this time, I became aware of how the residents I supported were not treated equally and even excluded in some cases by society. This opened my eyes to how many in society are excluded.
I want to encourage you all to engage with EDI, a subject I am passionate about. While I have some knowledge, I am by no means the fount of all knowledge. But there is a wealth of resource out there that I will seek to highlight to you in the coming months.
If you have questions, or an area you’d like support on, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Circuit EDI Officer
Rev Ian Couchman
ian.couchman@methodist.org.uk
T : 01903 750 247
Circuit EDI Newsletters
Why Bother with EDI?
God has created all human beings as unique and diverse from one another. We can expect our congregations and communities to be made up of many, many different expressions of individuality rather than expecting people to be ‘just like us’.
Speaking, worshipping and writing in an inclusive way is about engaging positively with as many people as possible.
As a church which seeks to champion justice, The Methodist Church has recognised the harm done to marginalised groups in the past and present, including harm done by the church as well as wider society. Through EDI the church is seeking to reduce harm.
Resources
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officers – South East District
Deeptima and Dan are our District EDI officers. Find out more about their work or contact them via the district website.