With the commencement of a new semester came a new theme for chapel. This semester’s theme of reconciliation prefaced the focus of the spring 2016 Praxis week, which was dubbed by Dean Jordan as “a week of listening.”
Throughout the week, chapel speakers and panel discussion leaders from diverse African-American and black backgrounds facilitated this listening. Jordan shared how the influence of the black church in his personal spiritual development contributed to his decision about the focus of Praxis week. Joe Miner ‘18 a panelist from last Tuesday’s discussion, shared, “It was encouraging for me to hear other black speakers come to Houghton to hear about their experience as well as hear the concerns of my white friends.”
Meredith Griffin, pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship, stated on Friday that an attitude of listening in transition periods is crucial for understanding how to serve one another when it is least comfortable. Travis Trotman ‘17, a panelist last Tuesday, reiterated the importance of “multicultural sensitivity.” He identified this idea as central to listening and speaking with care. Miner added, “We should be looking for ways to grow and love each other.”
On Monday, Tali Hairston, director of the Perkins Center for Reconciliation, Leadership and Community Development at Seattle Pacific University spoke to this. He explained that in order for Christ to live through us, He must live through our actions. This incarnational attitude points the listening back to Jesus and the humanity that He embodies in order to love us in our humanity. Dean Jordan posed the question, “When we’re done listening and trying to act, what will that look like?” He added, “It’s not just about being nice.” Miner echoed this statement and stated, “Racism isn’t just a mean word, it’s a mentality and a system. It’s not something that changes overnight.” With this in mind, sensitivity and understanding were common themes from this past week.
How can Houghton continue this conversation? Trotman suggests that Houghton provide a trained diversity counselor for the Houghton community. He described how this service would give students a safe, comfortable place to continue to ask questions and learn from one another.
Dean Jordan has assured chapel-goers that Praxis week is not the end of the diversity conversation. The first and last chapel speakers of February, Black History Month, will be dedicated to pastors who lead intentionally multicultural congregations.