Rev. Colleen Irwin

Guiding with Grace: How Spiritual Leaders Can Hold Space for Justice and Inclusion

There is a lot of need for justice and inclusion right now. We all feel it deeply.   If you’re a spiritual teacher, mediumship circle leader, or intuitive guide, you’ve likely felt it:

The world is shifting.  People are asking deeper questions.  And spiritual spaces are being called to rise — not just in vibration, but in responsibility.

But here’s the hard part:

• How do you talk about social justice, bias, or inclusion in a community that came for spirit, not struggle?
• In a world that is so full of hate how do you keep it from affecting you space?
• How do you stay aligned with love without avoiding hard truths?
• What specific spiritual teachings or practices offer guidance for dismantling bias and promoting true inclusion within our communities and beyond?
• Are we truly embodying the principles of unity and interconnectedness if we shy away from addressing the systemic injustices that divide us?
• How can spiritual principles and practices actively inform and strengthen our pursuit of social justice, rather than being seen as separate or contradictory?

It starts with this:

You can be spiritual and socially aware.
You can lead with compassion and courage.

And your community is stronger for it.

Your Circle Is Sacred — So Keep It Honest

Mediumship and spiritual development circles are built on trust. People open their hearts. Spirit shows up. But when certain topics are never named — like racism, ageism, or exclusion — trust quietly erodes.

The goal isn’t to preach. It’s to stay rooted in your values as a leader.  Justice isn’t a political trend.  It’s a spiritual principle: All souls are equal. All voices matter.

Why This Work Belongs in Spiritual Spaces

Spiritual development asks us to:

• Know ourselves
• Be accountable
• Heal what’s hidden
• Live in alignment

That’s also the heart of equity and justice work.  When someone in your group feels unseen or unheard, Spirit feels it too. 

Simple Ways to Begin the Conversation

You don’t need a full curriculum. You need intention, clarity, and care.

Here are a few grounded ways to bring this into your circles:

• Set inclusive guidelines. From the start, name your circle as a space of kindness, equity, and respect.
• Honor lived experience. If someone shares a story involving marginalization, center their truth without rushing to “fix” it.
• Acknowledge discomfort. It’s okay to say, “This might be tender, but it’s important.” Trust your group can hold both Spirit and truth.
• Model the message. Let your own learning journey be visible. Say: “I’m still growing in this area too.”

What If I Get Push Back?

You might hear:

• “I come here to get away from that stuff.” (How can we create a space for peace without ignoring the world’s pain?)
• “Politics doesn’t belong in spirituality.” (Where do our spiritual beliefs intersect with how we engage with the world’s systems and structures?)
• “You’re making this too heavy.” (How do we balance the weight of these truths with the desire for upliftment and spiritual refuge?)
• “We should just focus on the positive.” (Is a focus on the positive truly holistic if it bypasses difficult realities?)
• “Love and light will fix everything.” (Does “love and light” imply passive acceptance, or does it call for courageous, informed action?)

Here’s a gentle response:

“I hear you. My goal is never to burden — only to create space where all feel seen and safe. Spirit invites us to bring our whole selves, and sometimes that includes having brave conversations. It’s in these moments of brave honesty that our spiritual practice truly deepens, expanding our sense of self and community, and ultimately contributing to a more just and loving world.”

You won’t please everyone. But you will lead with integrity.

Ask Yourself:

• What are the values I want my spiritual spaces to embody?
• What small step can I take to make my circle more welcoming to all souls?
• If the world is shifting, what does it mean for spiritual communities to “rise in responsibility” in a tangible, actionable way, beyond just raising vibration?
• What role can spiritual insight play in illuminating the root causes of hate and division, and in envisioning pathways towards healing and reconciliation?
• Are we willing to examine how our own spiritual spaces might inadvertently perpetuate or reflect societal biases, and what steps are we taking to address them?

You Are a Bridge Between Worlds — Let This Be One of Them

As a medium or teacher, you stand at a powerful intersection. You carry wisdom from beyond — and you offer healing in the here and now.  Justice isn’t separate from the spiritual path. It is the path — paved with honesty, care, humility, and truth.  And when you hold that path open for others?

You’re not just leading a circle.
You’re expanding consciousness.

One spirit, one voice, one brave conversation at a time.

Closing Invitations for Justice and Inclusion

• “Let Spirit walk with you this week.”
  • As you move through the days ahead, notice where Spirit nudges you toward greater awareness, deeper compassion, or unexpected connection.
• “Honor what rose to the surface.”
  • If something stirred within you today — a question, a memory, a challenge — hold space for it. Spirit may be guiding you there for a reason.
• “Carry the light into places that need it.”
  • Whether it’s a conversation, a choice, or a quiet act of kindness — let your Lightworker soul lead the way.
• “Trust that your awareness is part of your gift.”
  • Not every spiritual insight comes with ease. Some arrive to expand your capacity. You’re not off-path — you’re deepening it.
• “Spirit grows with you.”
  • There is no rush to be perfect, only the invitation to be present. Let Spirit meet you exactly where you are.
• “Stay open to what comes next.”
  • Ask: What am I being asked to see differently? Then listen gently, without judgment.
• “Return to center when you need to.”
  • If this work feels heavy, remember — grounding, rest, and joy are also sacred. Spirit holds all of it.