Responding to the Sin of “Othering”
Return to Our 2025 Lenten Pilgrimage of Hope
There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:28
“Othering” is a process of marginalization where individuals or groups are excluded from a larger culture or society based on factors like race, ethnicity, class, gender identity, and sexual orientation. This concept is linked to issues such as racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and antisemitism. It often manifests through language that stereotypes or undervalues people due to their demographic characteristics, leading to premature judgments and biases. At its core, othering establishes a division of “us” vs. “them,” enabling a dominant culture to mistreat marginalized groups, resulting in discrimination and exploitation.
“The opposite of Othering is not “Saming,” it is belonging. And belonging does not insist that we are all the same. It means we recognize and celebrate our differences in a society where “we the people” includes all the people.”
Haas Institute
Let Us Pray
God of All, our nation is filled with division, fear, and distrust. Out of fear, we fail to love all our sisters and brothers as Christ taught. We lament that our sisters and brothers who may be different from us continue to bear witness to systemic injustice. In your mercy and goodness, we ask forgiveness for our sins of “othering.” We appeal to you to fill us with your Spirit and remind us we are all made in Your image. Teach us to live out Your love.
Reflection Questions
- If you catch yourself “othering,” what feelings arise for you? What is behind these thoughts?
- Have you ever felt “othered” by a person or group that does not understand you? How do you process that pain?
Hope In Action
Do not let discomfort stop you from engaging. Feelings of guilt or defensiveness are natural, but disengagement is counterproductive. Instead of focusing on your discomfort, consider the experiences of people of color within societal power structures. Remain open to learning, engaging, and seeking to understand.