diversity statement

As a Christian school partnered with the traditions from our understanding of a biblical church, Emmanuel Christian Academy values and promotes the diversity brought about through our unity in Jesus Christ.

Scripture calls us to love others as we love ourselves, to exhibit and extend hospitality toward everyone, and to pursue reconciliation with one another. At Emmanuel Christian Academy we believe that love, hospitality, and reconciliation are essential to experiencing the initial declaration of the Gospel by the angels in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward humankind.”

At Emmanuel Christian Academy, diversity is a key part of living out our mission to be a “Christ-centered learning community that exists to educate students of Christian families and prepare them for God’s calling” in an increasingly diverse nation and world. An educational environment rich in diversity promotes cross- cultural understanding, encourages collaboration, and fosters innovation, thereby benefiting all within the learning community. Much more than reaping the benefits of a diverse learning community, Emmanuel Christian Academy’s commitment to diversity is a grateful and faithful response to the biblical mandate to love one another, to extend hospitality, and to pursue reconciliation.

To say that you are welcome at Emmanuel, no matter your background, is not enough. You are welcome, because of your background. Our backgrounds are part of our identities and shape the stories of our lives. We realize that creating a welcoming space where all stories are heard and valued makes for greater conversations, learning, and community. It is through such Christian learning and community that God will transform our brokenness into the full and vibrant life that he intends for each of us.

At Emmanuel Christian Academy, we are committed to creating an atmosphere where diversity and inclusion flourish. Based upon our statement of biblical beliefs, this commitment includes welcoming family members regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, or ability. Emmanuel upholds the truth that all men and women, regardless of their physical, social and spiritual backgrounds, are created in God’s image and as such should be treated as Christ commands us in Matthew 22:39 to “Love your neighbor as yourself”. For the believer, we further uphold that our sinful nature was crucified with Christ, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin (Romans 6:6).

As such, the believer yearns to be transformed into the image of Christ. We don’t claim to have it all figured out, but with hearts gripped by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and open minds to the revelation of God’s intent for an international family, we are building a stronger community of believers to change the world.

Emmanuel Christian Academy embraces the biblical vision of the kingdom of God as seen in Revelation 7:9, “There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, form every nation, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.” We envision a kingdom community in which cultural diversity is seen as normal; a Christian “family” that transcends all ethnic, cultural, racial, and societal boundaries.