Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to discontinue Affirmative Action in college admissions. This means that race cannot be a factor in the admissions processes of higher education institutions. The efficacy of Affirmative Action has been debated for decades. Some don’t see the need for race to be a factor in the education or professional worlds while others understand Affirmative Action to be the means of providing opportunities to groups that have traditionally been greatly oppressed. Years ago, as a first-generation college graduate searching for employment , I was thankful to receive my first job in part due to a diversity hiring initiative. Race played a factor, but I was qualified for the job.

Like any cultural or political issue, the need for and effectiveness of Affirmative Action will continue to be intensely debated. What is not debatable, however, is the truth of God’s Word. Regardless of what the government decides, God’s people should always be doing the work of the Church; seeking out the oppressed to love and serve them well.
learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.
Isaiah 1:17 ESV
Reflection Questions
- James 1:27 says that true religion is looking after the orphans and widows, or the vulnerable and oppressed. Who are the oppressed in your area?
- Do you know the communities around your ministry and their needs?

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