This policy echoes that of the Diocese of Oxford, which can found at
http://www.oxford.anglican.org/page/2974/
We believe that it is a fundamental Christian understanding to hold that all human beings are created in the image of God, that all are valued equally in God's love. We believe that God as our creator (Genesis 1.27) not only gave us life, but gave each person gifts to be used and developed. We believe that God longs for our well-being and fulfilment, and that we are all responsible to God for the way we treat each other. Unlawful and unfair discrimination between people is therefore contrary to God’s purpose.
In the light of this Christian affirmation, and in recognition of our Lord's commandment that we should love our neighbours as ourselves, we declare our conviction that it is a Gospel imperative to realise the potential of all human gifts, and that failure to do so is an affront to the will of God.
We recognise that Britain is a pluralistic society, diverse in race, culture, creed and interests. We are aware that individuals and groups of people are sometimes discriminated against, both directly and indirectly, in unjustifiable ways.
As a result we welcome the legislation which aims to put this right, including:
This is an ongoing process. We will abide by new legislation as it is introduced.
While recognising that there are currently some differences in conditions surrounding service between those who are lay or ordained, we will work to ensure that there is no discrimination on grounds of race, colour, nationality - including citizenship - or ethnic or national origins, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religious or political affiliation, lay or ordained status, or any other respect which cannot be shown to be a necessary requirement of the job or office concerned.
We declare our intention to be an Equal Opportunities employer. We will work to ensure that in all appointments the priority will be to find the best person suited to a particular post. This does not conflict with the requirement that for some roles it will be necessary for the person to be a practising Christian, nor with the requirement that anyone directly employed in i-church finances should be in sympathy with the Christian approach and ethos.
Therefore we declare that it is our intention to ensure that:
are available to all without discrimination on the above grounds, and to ensure that no-one is disadvantaged in any of these matters by conditions or requirements that cannot be shown to be justifiable. Any justifiable condition must be lawful and will be made explicit in any situation, and i-church will be ready to defend such action.
It is our intention to take positive action, within the law and as the law encourages, to ensure equality of opportunity and of treatment on the matters specified above, details of which will be set out in our Access Policy.
We look to all our staff and members of councils, boards, committees or groups appointed by us or on our behalf (whether paid or voluntary) to abide by and to promote this Policy.
Our specific action and progress following from this Policy are defined and monitored through our Access Policy, and by our Accessibility User Group, reporting each year through i-church's Annual Report.