Biblical Reconciliation and Inclusive Excellence at Messiah
Biblical reconciliation, which informs Messiah University’s commitment to inclusive excellence, has long been a part of Messiah’s history. Rooted in the University’s founding by the Brethren in Christ Church in 1909, and its distinct theological Anabaptist, Pietist and Wesleyan traditions—reconciliation is in Messiah’s DNA. Informed by its institutional understanding of Scripture, more than a century’s worth of faith in action, and its own foundational documents—Messiah University is a place where practicing Biblical reconciliation is a deeply integrated part of its distinctive Christian educational mission “to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.”
"So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived! All of these new things are from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and who gave us the ministry of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
As diverse members of the body of Christ, our shared faith compels us to work towards reconciliation with God, with each other, and with all of creation. Messiah University is dedicated to advancing diversity as a core Christian value as understood within its foundational documents in order to promote academic excellence and foster a culture of inclusion within and beyond the campus. We are committed to the process of building a community of diverse people, ideas and perspectives that pursue intercultural competence and reconciliation in our working and learning environments.
A Multicultural Century of Faith in Action
For more than a century, Messiah University has sought to live out a Christ-centered vision of Biblical reconciliation, hospitality and inclusive excellence. Explore these stories of how the Messiah community has woven this reconciling work and commitment into action since its founding in 1909.
In Our Own Words:
A Legacy of Biblical Reconciliation
and Inclusive Excellence
Across generations, Messiah University has articulated—and sought to practice—a Biblically anchored commitment to reconciliation, the diversity of Christ’s kingdom, and the dignity of all people. The excerpts found at the link below demonstrate a sampling of how this calling has been expressed over time and how it continues to shape our identity and student experience today.
Resources for the Messiah Community
Messiah provides a wide range of resources that help its campus community to carry out the reconciling work of Christ across the University, the surrounding region and beyond. All of Messiah’s inclusive excellence and diversity programs, spaces, resources and personnel are available to all students and employees. Explore the links below for more details.