A Message for Holy Week: Standing in the Vibrant Variety of God’s People
Dear Fuller Community,
Holy Week invites followers of Jesus to reflect deeply on his supreme sacrifice of love. Contemplating this costly love of God that spares nothing for the redemption of the world should lead us to recommit to loving God with our whole hearts, minds, and souls, and to loving our neighbors as ourselves—whoever and wherever they might be.
Fuller Seminary values the vibrant variety of God. We are inspired by the biblical vision of the innumerable multitude from “every nation, tribe, people, and language” that stands before the throne and the Lamb in worship (Rev 7). This vision of diversity is not a challenge to overcome. It is a divine gift to embrace—a sacred opportunity to faithfully reflect the body of Christ and incorporate the multiplicity of stories, experience, and wisdom that exists among God’s people.
Efforts are underway to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. As a multi-ecclesial, multicultural, and multilingual community, Fuller reaffirms that our commitment to these values is rooted in the scriptural vision of the vibrant variety of God and not in cultural trends or political positions. We joyfully participate in this holy mosaic.
We are grieved by the increasing pressures on immigrants and international students, on families and friends of faculty, staff, alumni, and partners. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25 of our responsibility to the hungry, thirsty, and stranger. This describes the lives of many immigrants in the US and around the world. As followers of Christ, we are called to demonstrate compassion and companionship for the vulnerable who live among us. And we call on those with political privilege and power to do the same in their governing, legislating, and executing policies with national and global impact.
The Holy Spirit guides us to:
- Stand in the vibrant variety of God’s creation, committing ourselves to cultivate and protect the diversity entrusted to our care.
- Stand for peace, justice, and security for all peoples everywhere regardless of location or faith tradition.
- Stand with migrants, immigrants, sojourners, and refugees, ensuring they are granted rest, protection, and dignity within the United States or wherever they experience displacement.
As we follow our Lord Jesus Christ and seek to bear witness in word and deed during this Holy Week and beyond, we commit to pray for and labor for a world that is humane and habitable for all of creation—particularly those who are most vulnerable.
May God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
David Emmanuel Goatley
Clifford L. Penner Presidential Chair