CHRISTIAN LIFE
philosop OF DIVERSITY AND BELONGING
BY CATINA TALIAFERRO, DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY AND BELONGING
AT MOUNT PARAN C HRI S T I A N S C HOOL, DIV E R SI T Y A N D B E L O N G I N G A R E I N T E G R A L A SP E C T S O F AL L W E D O AS A CHRISTIA N S C HOOL A N D A LL WE A R E A S A C O M M U N I T Y O F C H R I ST I A N B E L I E V E R S. O U R PHIL O S O PHICAL POSITION HI N GES UP ON FOUR BIB L I C A L F O U N DAT I O N S: 1
Diversity has been a part of God’s plan for humanity since the beginning.
2
We have been created in the image of God to glorify God.
3
As Christians, we have been adopted into one family – the family of God.
4
God’s plan for diversity enables us to better recognize and worship him.
T
o begin the school year, MPCS adopted a “Campaign for
For Isabelle, Speak On It provides a place of empowerment for stu-
CommUNITY - Love One Another” theme. Ten high school
dents. “I
visual arts students created artwork embodying their interpretation of a chosen Bible verse inclusive of the diverse body of Christ. The artwork was transformed into powerful banners displayed across campus as visual reminders of our unity in Christ. Students continue to lead the way in relationship-building and asking hard questions. Two student-created groups meet regularly during the high school activity block to examine diversity. The People’s Club focuses on activism, while Speak On It provides a safe space to discuss issues. Isabelle Garofalo ‘21 started Speak On It, she shares, because “I REALIZED MANY OF MY
FRIENDS AND I WERE RELATIVELY IGNORANT OF LARGER POLITICAL ISSUES THAT AFFECTED US DAILY. I WANTED TO CREATE A SPACE TO ENGAGE WITH A VARIETY OF PERSPECTIVES AND BACKGROUNDS OR LEARN ABOUT A NEW TOPIC COLLECTIVELY.”
16 WINGSPAN | Summer 2021 16 WINGSPAN | Summer 2021
BELIEVE ACTIVISM AND POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT SHOULD BE ACCESSIBLE TO YOUNG PEOPLE. I REALLY WANT TO EMPOWER MY PEERS TO GET INVOLVED IN CAUSES NOT ONLY IMPORTANT TO THEMSELVES BUT IMPORTANT TO OUR COMMUNITIES.” Likewise, Sydnee Brothers ‘21 co-founded The People’s Club to create a safe space for students to share and learn. The People’s Club provides all students the opportunity to form community and promote understanding. As the group grew and gained members, Sydnee noticed it transitioned into an outlet for students to find their voice, become empowered, develop leadership, and handle conflict with grace, dignity, and respect. As MPCS builds its capacity to engage in courageous conversations, we will continue to provide safe spaces where people can be transparent and vulnerable. Inspired and sustained by love, such spaces cultivate healing and change. When we have conversations in the context of love, division loses its power. The world is not a perfect place, but we are striving in pursuit of the heart of God in all we do. We will continue to learn, to build relationships, and to strive to love one another the way God intends. W
