Eight panelists with different racial and ethnic backgrounds spoke candidly about their multicultural life experiences, both positive and negative, in a discussion at Moody Bible Institute on Sept. 9. The panel discussion, “Embracing Minority Impact in Biblical Higher Education,” encouraged students, faculty and staff, and offered suggestions for how Moody can better serve the global church.
Speaking as a white man who has worked extensively in the urban community, Dr. John Fuder, professor of Urban Studies at Moody Theological Seminary, said those in the majority should “give away power and control” and “take the position of a learner.” He also spoke of “intentionality for unity in diversity.”
Paco Amador, pastor of New Life Community Church in the Little Village neighborhood in Chicago, shared examples of how biases and prejudices exist within every racial and ethnic group.
Kendra Cervantes, a Moody graduate who served as leader of a Hispanic awareness group on campus, agreed and said students need to have more meaningful conversations on their own about race and culture. Another speaker said repentance is crucial in racial reconciliation.
Since many minorities may walk around with a chip on their shoulder, Cheryl Jackson, a biracial reporter who started her career as a diversity columnist, said, “We need to try not to get so offended. Not all prejudice is rooted in hate.”
Other panelists stated that comments sounding racially or culturally offensive often come from a lack of understanding. They encouraged minority students to welcome students of the majority into their social circles to help build relationships and awareness of one another.
The panel discussion ended with an emphasis on one’s identity as a Christian coming before any other distinction. “Remember who you are in Christ,” said Dr. Charles Ware, president of Crossroads Bible College, who’s authored several books on racial reconciliation.
This emphasis echoed what President Dr. Paul Nyquist underscored when he began the event with prayer: “the unique unity and oneness in the Body of Christ.”
Dr. Julius Wong Loi Sing, professor at the Moody Theological Seminary, Pastor Robert Tso, senior pastor of Victory Life Church in Shiprock, N.M. and Gina Behrens, faculty member at Moody Bible Institute’s undergraduate school, also served as panelists at the event. Dr. Thomas S. Forston, who is on Moody’s Board of Trustees, facilitated the discussion.