Belonging, Inclusion and Cultural Engagement Leaders Gather with Diversity Teams

Rev. Dr. HiRho Park, director of belonging, inclusion and cultural engagement, and Rev. Andrew Fiser, associate director, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside leaders from across the conference who bring a wealth of experience, insight and dedication to creating communities where all people can fully participate in the life and ministry of the church.

Pursue and Embrace Diversity Team

The Pursue and Embrace Diversity Team provides leadership and oversight as the Horizon Texas Conference advances diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and fulfills responsibilities established by The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.

These responsibilities include physical accessibility (¶632.4(b)(36)); disability concerns (¶653); Christian unity and interreligious relationships (¶642); religion and race (¶643); status and role of women (¶644); Native American ministry (¶654); and Hispanic/Latino ministries (¶655).

Through this work, the team helps ensure the conference’s commitment to belonging is reflected not only in its words but also in its policies, practices, ministries and relationships.

Diversity Council

The Diversity Council serves as an advisory and collaborative partner to the Department of Belonging, Inclusion and Cultural Engagement. Its mission is to cultivate a culture of belonging across the Horizon Texas Conference by bringing diverse voices into relationship, fostering collaboration across differences and helping transform awareness into meaningful action.

Council members bring a wide range of experiences, perspectives and backgrounds from across the conference. Through their guidance and collaboration, they help the department listen, learn, discern and respond to the opportunities and needs emerging in local churches and communities.

Together, the Pursue and Embrace Diversity Team and the Diversity Council strengthen the conference’s shared commitment to creating an environment where differences are valued, relationships are nurtured and every person is invited to participate fully in God’s mission.

For more information about the Department of Belonging, Inclusion and Cultural Engagement, contact Rev. Dr. HiRho Park or Rev. Andrew Fiser.