Vision for Diversity

Guided by the biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption and restoration, Northwestern College strives to pursue God’s redeeming work in the world by courageously and faithfully engaging the fullness of our similarities and differences in our learning and living together.

We embrace diversity in God’s creation 

• valuing each person as created in the image of the triune God and thus intended for community
• respecting the complexity of human identities
• recognizing human difference as central to an education that fosters critical thinking, empathy and dialogue

We lament human brokenness

• grieving our thoughts, words and actions that diminish, caricature or isolate one another
• confessing our failure to hear and respond to marginalized voices on campus and in the world
• recognizing our past and current participation in unjust social systems
• repenting from any form of dehumanization that distorts God’s creation

We reconcile with one another

• bridging divisions that separate people from one another and from God
• partaking in courageous conversations where varied perspectives are welcome
• challenging unjust systems of power, privilege and oppression
• building and sustaining social structures that foster the common good

We embody shalom

• anticipating restored creation, where people from every nation, tribe and language worship God and live in harmony
• pursuing human flourishing in our relationships, curriculum, staffing, resource allocation and corporate actions
• affirming that all things hold together in Christ, to the glory of God