On Thursday Feb. 18 at 6 p.m., Union University will host “The Gospel and Discomfort,” an evening of reflection and celebration in honor of Black Heritage Month, at the Carl Grant Events Center.
DiAnne Malone, MA, MFA, associate dean of students and faculty service and associate professor of English and MCUTS at Union University, will speak on the importance of discomfort and recognizing pain in Gospel growth.
The event, sponsored by the Office of the President and the Great Commandment Collaborative, offers both online and limited in-person attendance.
Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., followed by the program at 6:30 p.m. The event will include remarks from Union University President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver, a featured message from Malone, a short film and fellowship.
“This event is not for division or dissension. It’s quite the opposite,” said Malone. “It’s a unifying event. It will be so wonderful to be exposed to the gifts we have in each other and grow the body of Christ, which is filled with many shades and different people. I hope we can continue to put unity and love at the forefront.”
Malone will speak on how collectively pursuing the discomfort caused by conversations surrounding race in America is a vital aspect of change and moving forward, especially as Christians. The event will explore these difficult topics through the lens of Christ’s suffering on the cross.
“If we call ourselves Christians, and we can accept the discomfort of the cross of Christ, why can’t we accept the discomfort in these conversations? We need to make sure, as Christian people, that we understand change, reconciliation and conciliation is uncomfortable,” said Malone.
The Great Commandment Collaborative was authorized by Oliver in 2016. The collaborative focuses on developing an environment that is conducive to increasing diversity on Union’s campus and providing support for deep, constructive conversations surrounding racial reconciliation.
“The discomfort, and our embracing it, gives us the greatest opportunity to go forward. We must go through this in order to do what God wants us to do on this issue,” said Frank Anderson, director for the Center for Racial Reconciliation, associate professor of missions and ministry in the School of Theology and Missions, chair for expository preaching and member of the Great Commandment Collaborative.
Anderson encourages Union faculty, staff and students to let the Great Commandment Collaborative know of conversations surrounding racial reconciliation so the collaborative may celebrate, encourage and provide support alongside them.
