In our own words
An institutional narrative of biblical reconciliation and inclusive excellence
Across generations, 91制片厂 has articulated—and sought to practice—a Biblically anchored commitment to reconciliation, the diversity of Christ’s kingdom, and the dignity of all people. The excerpts below demonstrate a sampling of how this calling has been expressed over time and how it continues to shape our identity and student experience today. Links to several of the full documents are provided for deeper exploration and context.
Since its founding by the Brethren in Christ Church in 1909, 91制片厂 has affirmed a set of values derived from the Anabaptist, Pietist and Wesleyan traditions of that denomination. These values have guided our efforts to keep Christ preeminent in the total life of the institution and summarize how the University defines its distinctive Christian character.
91制片厂’s fifth foundational value, "Service and Reconcilation," commits 91制片厂 to the reconciling work of the Gospel:
Central to the Gospel is the work of reconciling individuals with God, with each other, and with all of creation. God has called us to be active agents in this work as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit and bear the fruit of the Spirit within us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Prepared in this way, we are compelled to share the redeeming Gospel of Jesus with those around us; to build bridges of understanding and peace across the dividing lines of race, class, age, gender, religion, and ethnicity; to demonstrate the love of God in service to others; to open our hearts to the poor and needy; and to work for justice wherever injustice prevails.
Authored by: Lawrence Burnley, Eldon Fry, Douglas Jacobsen, Kim Phipps and David Weaver-Zercher
“…Reconciliation has been a commitment of 91制片厂 College from its early days, even before the word ‘reconciliation’ came into frequent use. At the time of 91制片厂's founding, the term ‘peaceableness’ would have been the preferred terminology, and the Brethren in Christ would have focused their peaceable intentions on both interpersonal relations and non-participation in war.
Peaceableness was generally understood in a relatively passive way: as the absence of obvious strife. But during the course of the 20th Century, it slowly acquired a more active connotation, and the term ‘peacemaking’ began to be used. It is likely that C.N. Hostetter, Jr., 91制片厂's fourth president, had something like peaceableness, peacemaking and reconciliation in mind when he was asked about the core educational goals of the College, and he suggested a focus on ‘right relationships.’ A better two-word definition of reconciliation would be difficult to find, and reconciliation as a synonym for healthy relationships has always been part of 91制片厂's educational philosophy.
Given this heritage, it is not surprising to find that the College's ‘institutional identity committee,’ (which was convened in the mid 1990s) formally incorporated the language of reconciliation into the College's contemporary documents. The word reconciliation thus appears both in the College's mission statement and in its statement of foundational values. …”
…As faithful members of the body of Christ, the 91制片厂 College community is called to carry on the reconciling work of Christ by identifying aspects of society that separate and divide us, striving to bring healing to the brokenness of creation. Rooted in our mission ‘to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society,’ our commitment to diversity at 91制片厂 College is critical. Nurturing individuals to be servant-leaders and reconcilers in the 21st Century requires both an appreciation for and an ability to engage difference in light of the larger aim for wholeness in our world. Thus, rightly engaging diversity is essential to fulfilling our educational mission. …
…Understanding and practicing reconciliation begins with embracing diversity as both a critical aspect of our educational commitment to students’ holistic development and as a response to the gospel. To be faithful to our mission, diverse perspectives and traditions must be understood in the context of 91制片厂’s distinct identity and particular theological framework. Our Diversity Strategic Plan states that “Diversity is part of what it means to celebrate the goodness of God’s creation and to renew our understanding of the reality that all of humanity reflects the signature of God” (Diversity Affairs). By engaging diversity in all areas of institutional life, we realize God’s vision for us—the body of Christ—is evident as we bring hope and healing to individuals, communities and societies. The need to fulfill our individual and communal calling to be reconcilers has been consistent throughout 91制片厂’s history but the urgency has increased as a result of our current context. …
…In these complicated times of concerns raised about promoting diversity on a university campus, it is helpful to be mindful that 91制片厂 has a long history of being focused on issues surrounding ‘peaceableness,’ reconciliation, diversity, justice, and inclusive excellence literally from the very founding of our institution. In his book The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, noted author James McBride writes ‘Light is only possible through dialogue between cultures, not through rejection of one or the other.’
In 2009, members of the 91制片厂 Community composed a seminal white paper reaffirming our long commitment to reconciliation. In it, our colleagues note ‘Reconciliation is challenging because it is not a quick fix, but rather it is a long-term commitment to discipleship. It requires a faith journey reflected in the rhythms of preparing soil, planting, tending the crops, and gathering harvest as a continuing cycle. It is shaped and sustained with a desire to celebrate the ‘shalom’ of God, which has not yet been realized.’
… Therefore, we continue the important but difficult work of ensuring the entirety of the 91制片厂 community – students, faculty, staff, trustees – is representative of the Kingdom of God. And we do so in a way that reflects what we have called an “embracing evangelical spirit” at 91制片厂.