Introduction

There are numerous tensions surrounding the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion, tensions that are inherent to the work. The primary tension revolves around language, and the use of terms like racism, “race,” “black,” and “white.” A new way of using this language, one that acknowledges that the ideology of racism produces the language of “race,” is essential. Naming as a practice is a complicated process, with deep roots in the images and words we regularly use. It begins with naming racism as the oppressive ideology that it is, challenging us to use all the resources we have at hand to struggle with it. Those resources ought to include spiritual ones, particularly Christian resources, as the origin of racism is deeply implicated in a world shaped by European Christian colonialism and imperialism. The complicated relationship between religion and spirituality can be used to develop an approach that is rooted in the practice of seeing, choosing, and acting. Informed by the leadership insights and practices of Pope Francis, we can begin the work to liberate our imaginations from racist ideology.