Glossary of Terms

 This Glossary* is presented to ensure a common understanding of terms that the PoP Justice and Diversity Team will be begin using to help elevate diversity and inclusion, equity and cultural humility in our church community as we live out God’s love in the world. *Glossary adapted from https://www.naco.org/resources/featured/key-terms-definitions-diversity-equity-inclusion  

Ally – Someone who makes the commitment and effort to recognize their privilege (based on gender, class, race, sexual identity, etc.) and work together with oppressed groups in the struggle for justice. An ally recognizes that though they are not a member of a marginalized group(s) they will support and make an effort to better understand the struggle of another’s circumstances.

Belonging – A sense of being secure, recognized, affirmed, and accepted equally such that full participation is possible.

Bias (Prejudice) – An inclination or preference, especially one that interferes with impartial judgment. A form of prejudice that results from classifying others into categories.

Cultural Humility – An interpersonal stance that is open to individuals and different cultural communities and experiences in relation to aspects of one’s own cultural identity including customs, behaviors, values, habits, skills, ideologies and beliefs. Maintaining cultural humility requires continuous learning and thoughtful understanding of the complexity of identities and how they evolve over time.

Discrimination – The unequal and unfair treatment of individuals or groups based on race, gender, social class, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, national origin, age, intellectual or mental abilities and other categories that may result in differences.

Diversity – The presence of different and multiple characteristics that make up individual and collective identities, including race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic status, language, and physical ability.

Equality – In the context of diversity, equality is typically defined as treating everyone the same and giving everyone access to the same opportunities. It means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities.

Equity – The process of identifying and removing the barriers that create disparities in the access to resources and means, and the achievement of fair treatment and equal opportunities to thrive.

Implicit Bias (Hidden or Unconscious Bias) – The unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect a person's understanding, actions or decisions as they relate to people from different groups. Inclusion – Is creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported and valued to participate fully.

Inclusive Language – Language that acknowledges diversity, conveys respect to all people, is sensitive to differences, and promotes equal opportunities.

Intersectionality – The intertwining of social identities such as gender, race, ethnicity, social class, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity, which result in unique experiences, opportunities, barriers or social inequality.

Justice – The process of society moving from an unfair, unequal, or inequitable state to one that is fair, equal, or equitable. A transformative practice that relies on the entire community to acknowledge past and current harms to reform. Proactive enforcement of policies, practices, and attitudes that produce equitable access, opportunities, treatment, and outcomes for all regardless of the various identities that one holds.  

Personal Gender Pronouns (PGPs) – The set of pronouns that an individual personally uses and would like others to use when referring to them. There are several types of personal pronouns used for different groups and identities including: gendered, gender neutral and gender inclusive. The intention of using a person’s pronouns correctly is to reduce the adverse societal effects on those with personal pronouns that don’t match their perceived gender identity.

Racism – The systematic suppression of members of targeted racial groups, generally non-white groups, who hold less socio-political power. It involves actions correlated with or resulting from bigotry or the thinking that one’s racial differences produce an inherent inferiority. Racism differs from prejudice, hatred or discrimination because it requires one racial group to have systematic power and superiority over other groups in society.

SOGIE – An acronym that honors the fluidity of numerous and ever-expanding identities related to sexual orientation (SO), gender identity (GI) and (gender) expression (E).

Stereotype – A form of generalization rooted in blanket beliefs and false assumptions, a product of categorization processes that can result in a prejudiced attitude, uncritical judgment and intentional or unintentional discrimination. Stereotypes are typically negative and based on little information that does not recognize individualism and personal agency.