+ We’re Christian:Well, most of us are Lutherans and Episcopalians too, but what matters most to all of us is that we find ourselves embraced by the communion of God’s Spirit in Jesus Christ. God’s embrace makes us a community, just as we are, and summons us to be a community that can embrace everyone in the love of Christ. Christians have never agreed perfectly on just how to do that (take a look at Galatians 2:11-24), but we know that our togetherness in Christ matters more than our disagreements.
+We’re open-minded:
It was narrow-mindedness that got Jesus killed. You’d think Christians would have taken that to heart. And sometimes they have. But people by nature tend to fear the unfamiliar, and our 2,000-year history leaves much to be desired. So we believe it’s all the more imperative, especially in a campus setting, to promote a faith that’ unthreatened by new ideas, no matter how strange they may seem. We believe that honest and thorough inquiry is a help to faith, not a hindrance, and we’re here to help the campus community learn how to keep a healthy balance of both.
+We’re inclusive:
For the sake of community, God loves diversity—more than we can even imagine. And so for the sake of our community we too must love diversity. The common life we share in Jesus Christ is open to all students, staff and faculty who wish to participate, and we aim to be a safe space for people who are unsure of their welcome elsewhere. We also give thanks for the testimonies and example of other faith communities and pledge to work with them toward a deeper mutual appreciation.
+We’re a community:
Through common worship, study, service, retreats, national student gatherings, and an alternative Spring Break we offer a variety of ways to be present to one another. One of our most powerful ties is the every Wednesday evening celebration of the Eucharist/Holy Communion followed by a home-cooked meal. The campus pastor is available for conversation and counsel at any time.
(Thanks to Rev. Dr. Charles W. Allen, Chaplain Indianapolis LECM: www.indylutheran.org/campusministry )
