Diversity, Hospitality & Culture
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary approaches issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion as matters of diversity, hospitality, and culture. Our biblically informed, Christian manner, is described in our Statement of Unity and Diversity. We are driven in the ongoing work of our culture and life together by the vision of Revelation 7 where all cultures are united in a loving community of worship of Jesus Christ and where tears—caused by oppression, injustice, loss, disease, violence and anger—are wiped away. Thus, in our community life, we are guided by this heavenly hope.
Our Christian approach is also the approach of a graduate school. Therefore, we use the tools of social sciences, psychology, cultures studies, sociology, and other academic disciplines which may be helpful. All truth is God’s truth. However, these are tools for analysis that are under the authority and language of the Bible. Therefore, our Christian discourse talks about confession, repentance, forgiveness, lament, truth, reconciliation, and love. In fact, love is our purpose, our means, and our end (I Peter 1:22).
What follows are resources we recommend to guide us in our Christian pilgrimage to that beloved community: a community that the Church is purposed to be and that the world needs to see. These resources may be of special importance in our day, at this particular time and for specific reasons, but they are also of critical importance for all of us until Jesus calls us home.
Our History
19 th Century Evangelicalism
From the genesis of both Gordon and Conwell schools, issues of diversity of cultures and race and class have been central. The commitments of both founders were to the city, urban issues, mission (both local and global), and bringing diverse people together in Christian worship in the local church.
A brief history of A.J. Gordon
A brief history of Russell Conwell
Note: Our school’s history does not end with — nor should it be summarized solely by — its two namesakes. Expect additional voices and lenses through which to view our shared history (Coming Soon…).
Gordon-Conwell Resources
Diversity-Focused Educational Opportunities
Campus for Urban Ministerial Education (CUME)
Located in the city and existing for global cities, CUME’s programs focus on urban ministry and are contextualized for our diverse student body ministering to richly diverse communities across Boston, the United States, and the world.
Michael E. Haynes Center for Black Christian Leadership
A new center celebrating the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Michael E. Haynes through supporting and training black leadership in liturgy, outreach, theology, and advocacy.
Latino & Global Ministries (LGM)
A cohort-based education journey, uniting a small group of students, taking the same classes together, for the whole degree experience. Currently available in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.
Center for the Study of Global Christianity
An academic research center monitoring worldwide demographic trends in Christianity, including outreach and mission.
PANEL DISCUSSIONS HOSTED BY OUR FACULTY
Select livestreams from our Mockler Center for Faith & Ethics
and Hamilton Campus Dean’s Forums, featuring our faculty and expert panelists.
Who is Our Neighbor
Explores the increase in xenophobia and racial stereotyping during the pandemic and how the church should respond.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Reflects on how we can be the body—diverse yet with full equity and genuine inclusion.
Black History & White Empathy...
Addresses racial reconciliation from a biblical and pastoral perspective.
"Perfect Love Casts Our All Fear"...
Focuses on the Church’s role of selfless courage and neighborly love in pandemics.
Updates
Highlighting diversity, hospitality, and culture at Gordon-Conwell.
