Cedars, October 2020

Fall 2020 16 Group focused on promoting diversity, unity on CU campus By Kathryn McDonald R ace. Gender. Equality. What do these words have in common? Each one has become increasingly tied to one of the largest hot-button issues facing stu- dents and young people across the country: how can we remain unified while embracing diversity? In recent months, Cedarville University has worked to bring together a committee of leaders to address issues surrounding diversity on Cedarville’s campus. What began as a few passionate leaders organizing a prayer chapel for racial reconciliation quickly turned into a long-term effort for campus-wide unity surrounding the topic of diversity. The Kingdom Diversity Committee is a team of professors and uniquely qualified individuals who are coming together to promote unity and diversity in the Cedarville community. The student body’s first introduction to the team was made official on Sept. 18 when the members held a prayer chapel covering topics related to unity and diversity. University President Dr. Thomas White opened the chapel by welcoming the students and introducing the members of the committee. “There is no place for discrimination,” White said. “There is no place for racism at Cedarville University. We will not tolerate it. We will not endure it. We live out a theology which says that God created us all. ... We must recognize that all men and women are created equally in the image of God, that all come from Adam and Eve, that all have a sin nature, that all need the grace of the gospel, and with common needs we come together to strive for the kingdom of God.” After Dr. White’s introduction, those in attendance heard Patrick Oliver, Sarah Gump, Carolyn Barnett, and Derrick Green each share about their personal experiences related to diversity, read from God’s Word, and pray for the university community. Dr. White concluded by reading from Ephesians 2:11-22 and closing in prayer. In keeping with biblical truth, the Kingdom Diversity Committee wants students to know that unity is a biblical mandate that cannot be ignored in our communities. As students live in a world filled with people who are different from themselves, it is vitally important that they learn to view diversity through the lens of Scripture. Jones commented that, as Christians, the committee’s aim is ultimately to “train students to be biblically and culturally competent as it relates to issues around ethnic diversity, gender diversity, and all forms of diversity.” The very nature of the gospel being for all people regardless of gender, ethnicity, origin, social background, etc., should compel us to embrace people that are different from us, Jones said. It is Jesus’ concern for all of humanity that should remind us that we Photos by Scott Huck Left to right, Sarah Gump, Dr. Josh Kira, Dr. Mark Owens, and Dr. Kevin Jones speak during a chapel panel d