The essay, titled “DEI means God,” authored by Washington, DC, Auxiliary Bishop Roy Campbell, was published in error on its website and does not reflect the conference’s official stance
Newsroom (15/09/2025, Gaudium Press ) The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) confirmed Friday that an essay on “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) policies, authored by Washington, DC, Auxiliary Bishop Roy Campbell, was published in error on its website and does not reflect the conference’s official stance. The essay, titled “DEI means God,” was removed after drawing attention for its theological interpretation of DEI principles.
Chieko Noguchi, a USCCB spokesperson, said on Friday evening that the essay was “a draft of a personal reflection from Bishop Campbell that is yet to be discussed and given to a definitive publication plan.” She added, “It was mistakenly posted to the website, and has been taken down.”
Bishop Campbell, 77, serves as chairman of the USCCB’s Subcommittee on African American Affairs, part of the Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church. In his essay, Campbell framed DEI as a reflection of divine qualities, noting that the acronym’s letters form “dei,” a Latin term for God. He wrote, “God is Diversity,” “God is Equity,” and “God is Inclusion,” tying these concepts to scriptural teachings.
“Diversity reaches out to all people, regardless of where one is from or their station in life,” Campbell wrote. “Equity is the truth of the justice of God applied to everyone, regardless of where people are from, with love; and inclusion is living the law of the Lord as one. That law is to love God by the way we love one another.”
The essay criticized the Trump administration, alleging it “wants to erase Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the American conscience” and is “working to separate us from one another, not just migrants, but many, especially people of color, who have been denied for far too long, equal opportunities in education, social recognition, and economic growth, truly denying the DIGNITY OF EVERY HUMAN BEING!”
Campbell concluded that DEI embodies God’s work “among us and through us for the eternal life of each of us,” aligning with the goals of the Subcommittee for African American Affairs to advocate for Black Americans and all Americans.
The essay, was removed from the USCCB website on the 12th September 2025. However, some conference URLs linking to the essay remained active as late as Saturday afternoon, with staff working to fully remove them.
The USCCB has not issued prior official statements on DEI policies, which have sparked debate in the U.S. since the 2020 murder of George Floyd and subsequent racial tensions. Proponents argue DEI initiatives foster inclusivity by amplifying marginalized voices, while critics contend they promote progressive ideologies that undermine fairness.
Some Catholic scholars and leaders have proposed alternatives to DEI, rooted in Christian anthropology and Catholic social teaching, as more aligned with the Church’s mission.
In February, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order mandating the elimination of DEI offices, positions, and programs in federal agencies, citing violations of anti-discrimination laws. In April, the administration announced plans to cut federal aid to schools and colleges with DEI programs, though legal challenges have delayed implementation.
The Archdiocese of Washington, where Campbell serves, did not respond to The Pillar’s request for comment by press time.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from the Pillar
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