Embracing the Image of God in All People: Why words matter

Recent rhetoric in the form of "jokes" at a political rally, beg us to question do our words matter?

by Father Lee Davis on October 29, 2024

Embracing the Image of God in All People: Why Words Matter

In recent days, inflammatory language, in the guise of “jokes” was used to describe Puerto Rico and various groups at a political event. It has sparked conversations about how we honor the dignity of all people. As Episcopalians, our faith calls us to recognize the sacred worth of every individual and to resist language that undermines the divine image in which each person is created. Describing any group of people as "garbage" contradicts not only Christ's teachings but also the Episcopal Church’s commitment to compassion, unity, and love.

Our Baptismal Covenant calls us to “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.” This pledge forms the backbone of our faith journey, and it includes standing against language and actions that dehumanize others. Whether in reference to Puerto Rico or any community, derogatory language has no place in the Christian vocabulary. Such words do not reflect the respect and care we are commanded to show each other as God's children.

In the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly emphasizes the importance of loving our neighbor. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is a powerful example: Christ challenges us to extend compassion beyond our own borders and biases, showing mercy to those who may be different from us. This parable serves as a reminder that our words should reflect kindness and understanding, not contempt. Derogatory language about Puerto Rico, or any other community, places us far from the love and mercy Jesus demonstrated and taught.

In James 3:9-10, we are reminded that, “With the tongue we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God.” The Episcopal Church understands the power of words and their potential to either build up or tear down. Demeaning comments create division and perpetuate harmful stereotypes, while words rooted in respect and compassion help build communities that reflect God’s kingdom on earth.

As Episcopalians, we are called to be courageous disciples who speak up for those who are marginalized and stand against actions or language that devalues others. Insulting an entire community harms the witness of the Church and undermines the Gospel message of love and reconciliation. In honoring the dignity of every human being, we bear witness to the truth that all people, including our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters, are beloved by God.

Let us pray for unity and respect among all people, and remember, prayer denotes action; I encourage everyone to vote.

Almighty God, we thank you for the diversity of the human family and the beauty of each culture and community. Help us to speak with kindness and to resist words that devalue or harm. Grant us the courage to stand against division and to work toward a world that reflects your love and justice. We pray for our Puerto Rican siblings and for all who feel the sting of hateful words, that they may know their worth in your eyes. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.

Tags: image of god, words, dignity

About the Author
Father Lee Davis

After a diverse career in marketing and finance and a sudden realization of the love and power of God that he discovered aboard a Navy ship, Father Lee Davis has the distinction of being baptized, confirmed, and received for Holy Orders on the same Sunday. He studied at Bexley Hall Seminary in Columbus, Ohio where he received a Master's of Divinity degree in 2009 and then served as priest-in-charge of St. Andrew's in Hollywood, Florida as well as an assisting priest at St. Benedict's in Plantation. Father Lee also worked as a Hospice Chaplain. When he left after a little more than two years, St. Andrew's had grown in membership and under his guidance extended its outreach into the community. He was also a pivotal leader of the Jubilee Center of Hollywood, a vital outreach ministry to the homeless and hungry, and served on the Board of Directors for St. Lawrence Chapel, serving the homeless in Pompano Beach. He also served on several diocesan committees working with the youth of the diocese.


In December 2012, Father Lee was called as rector of St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Damascus, Maryland. During his 8 year tenure there the vestry of the parish noted that "His dynamic leadership, inspired preaching, creative ideas and compassionate pastoral care combined to bring a new level of excitement, commitment, and growth among the congregation." Through his leadership, he developed partnerships with other organizations in the community, helped establish a transitional home for victim's of domestic violence, began the process of developing affordable senior housing on some of the acreages of land owned by the church, and grew stewardship achieving their first balanced budget in over a decade. At the beginning of the COVID pandemic, he led the congregation into the development of an online presence and with a couple of dedicated lay members started a feeding program for families in need which continues today. He served in the Diocese of Washington DC helping in the implementation of a Diaconate Formation program as well as being on the Board of Directors of the Washington Episcopal Clergy Association and serving on the Diocesan Executive Council.


Amidst the COVID pandemic, Father Lee accepted the call to be our rector and began his tenure in September 2019. His leadership has already blessed our community.

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