Faith in Action: CST and DEI Hand-in-Hand at Saint Michael’s College

In the spirit of authentic Catholic identity, Saint Michael’s College affirms that faith is not merely a private matter but rather the foundational heart of our community, guiding our pursuit of justice, dignity, and solidarity in line with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Rooted deeply in Catholic Social Teaching (CST), our commitment to social justice and DEI emerges directly from a vibrant faith tradition that consistently affirms the inherent dignity and worth of every human person. Inspired explicitly by the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, the prophetic wisdom of Scripture, and the transformative richness of the Catholic intellectual tradition, we strive to embody compassion, service, active solidarity, and genuine inclusivity.

Donna Carroll, President of ACCU

Donna Carroll, president of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, articulates this deeply held conviction clearly in communication to Inside Higher Ed: “For Catholic colleges and universities, DEI work is a long-held expression of mission and of the Catholic social teaching that anchors it—including a commitment to the dignity of each person, a solidarity with the vulnerable and less advantaged, and a care for the common good.” Her affirmation underscores how DEI is central to our Catholic identity, firmly grounded in the authoritative teachings of the Church, including Pope Francis’s calls in encyclicals like Fratelli Tutti and Laudato Si’ to fraternity, solidarity, and openness.

This Catholic commitment begins inwardly, inviting every member of our community—regardless of their personal beliefs—to examine their values critically and courageously, considering how our beliefs shape our ability to recognize and uphold the dignity and humanity of others. Faith at Saint Michael’s is not abstract; it challenges us constantly, inviting every person to regard others as sisters and brothers, never as outsiders or threats. A faith that fails to manifest in concrete actions toward justice and compassion is not authentic faith but merely an empty ideology.

Our college community demonstrates this commitment through active engagement and intentional practices that celebrate inclusivity, empathy, and mutual understanding. While we humbly acknowledge our imperfections, the community continually strives to live out its dedication to recognizing and uplifting the true humanity of every person. Concrete initiatives such as local service projects, global immersion trips, dedicated interfaith dialogues, and equity-focused educational opportunities reflect how DEI actively enhances our educational mission and community spirit.

James Cone (1938-2018)

The theologian James Cone provides an important dimension that enriches and sharpens our Catholic understanding of faith. Cone emphasizes that authentic faith cannot remain passive or indifferent in the face of injustice. True faith, according to Cone, demands active participation and courageous resistance against oppression. His prophetic theology aligns closely with the CST emphasis on solidarity, the preferential option for the poor, and the inseparable connection between faith and social responsibility. Cone’s theology echoes the Catholic imperative to recognize Christ in the marginalized, powerfully reminding us of the Gospel’s call to active compassion and transformative justice.

At Saint Michael’s College, our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives embody this integrative understanding of faith, explicitly valuing religious diversity as an essential dimension of identity alongside race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and culture. Grounded in CST, the College actively embraces diverse beliefs, perspectives, and traditions within our community. DEI work is thus understood not as an external requirement but as a profound expression of our Catholic identity, demonstrating our commitment to human dignity and solidarity.

Explicitly aligning DEI with the Catholic intellectual tradition strengthens our institutional authenticity, demonstrating clearly that inclusion is not a passing trend but a deeply embedded moral and spiritual imperative. Saint Michael’s College remains a vibrant, open, and inclusive space for respectful dialogue, encounter, and mutual understanding, committed to fostering a campus environment where diverse individuals are united in a shared pursuit of justice, compassion, and the common good.

Inspired profoundly by the Gospel message, the Catholic tradition of social teaching, and the compelling theological insights of James Cone, we renew our bold commitment to building a community passionately dedicated to justice, equity, and inclusivity. At Saint Michael’s College, faith thus emerges as both foundation and bridge, calling diverse individuals together toward active solidarity, rigorous pursuit of justice, and unwavering recognition of each person’s sacred worth as created in the image and likeness of God.

If you would like to make a comment or offer an observation, please contact me at dtheroux@smcvt.edu.  Let’s talk.