A Christian employee organization at the US State Department, known as Grace, has been unexpectedly suspended, according to an internal email obtained by the Guardian. Founded during the first Trump administration, Grace aimed to promote religious diversity within the diplomatic corps. The directive to halt its operations came from Global Talent Management, raising questions about the administration’s stance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Kurt Finley, the president of Grace, communicated the suspension to members through an email, highlighting that all "ministries and programs" would stop pending further departmental guidance. The decision aligns with the current administration's efforts to dismantle DEI initiatives and inclusive workplace networks. The State Department, under former Secretary Mike Pompeo, became a focal point for religious recalibration, intertwining personal faith with diplomatic strategy.
The suspension of Grace reflects broader implications for faith-based and affinity groups within federal workplaces. Under the Trump administration, the State Department transformed into a platform for religious conservative ideology. Donald Trump's first term saw unprecedented access for evangelical Christian leaders, making this suspension a crucial development in the administration’s new approach to religious diversity.
While members of Grace await further guidance, the suspension underscores the shifting dynamics in the State Department’s handling of employee organizations focused on religious diversity. Kurt Finley expressed uncertainty about the future of Grace but remained hopeful in his faith.
"While the future of Grace as an employee organization at the state department is uncertain, I take heart in knowing that God’s sovereignty is certain" – Kurt Finley
The current administration's strategy reflects a broader trend of reevaluating DEI initiatives within federal institutions. By putting a pause on Grace's activities, it signals potential changes for other similar groups operating in a federal context. This move highlights the delicate balance between promoting religious diversity and maintaining a cohesive workplace environment.