Representing nearly 60 denominations and more than 30 countries, the Redeemer community is a diverse group of Christians. Rooted in the Reformed tradition, the university’s academic mission is about embodying the Christian faith in all areas of life, which necessarily includes learning about the history of different people groups and cultures. 

Throughout February, Redeemer observed Black History Month by inviting students, faculty and staff to explore the accomplishments of Black people in Canada and beyond. The exploration of this rich history, which includes considerable injustice, provided opportunities for the community to engage the topic from a distinctly Christian perspective through a series of events and activities.

On February 7, Redeemer welcomed to campus Christian Clement-Schlimm, a PhD candidate at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto, and an adjunct professor at Heritage College and Seminary. In the morning, Redeemer hosted a panel discussion with Clement-Schlimm and Ruth Adovelande, vice president of the Black Student Union club and international student representative, moderated by faculty chaplain Dr. Bill DeJong.

God uses diversity. But, as Christians, in the midst of our diversity, we are called to pursue the greater point of unity.

Clement-Schlimm spoke on how Black identity and experience is not monolithic, but instead is shaped by difference of history, politics, land of origin and denomination. He also shared interesting and little-known insights on the history of the Black church in Canada. 

“Churches, as they were founded by formerly enslaved black Canadians, were truly at the heart of their communities … What this communicates to me is an utter devotion to Jesus Christ, not only in their faith journey but in all of their life.”

Adovelande shared how rather than with intentions to self-segregate, the Black Student Union club aims to create a harmonious community with students where they can express who they are. Just as heaven will contain people “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” (Rev. 7:9), Adovelande desires that Redeemer would reflect this reality.

“It’s a chance for us to really see the beauty of what the Kingdom of God is.”

Later that morning, Clement-Schlimm gave the chapel address, Christ, Our Lingua Franca, based on Colossians 3:11. He spoke on how Jesus provides Christians a shared language and means of relating that creates unity amidst differences.

“God doesn’t want to make you all clones,” says Clement-Schlimm. “Serving God doesn’t mean the end of diversity. God uses diversity. But, as Christians, in the midst of our diversity, we are called to pursue the greater point of unity.”

A number of other Black History Month initiatives took place this February. On February 10, Redeemer’s Black Student Union club hosted a 90s night, celebrating Black music and culture from decades past. Additionally, 21Five and Redeemer’s library curated book collections on racial justice, Black history and culture.

Global Perspectives in the Curriculum

Various program curriculums during and beyond Black History Month incorporate international perspectives and voices, such as the course “Reading Scripture with the Global Church” and majors such as mission and ministry, international development and urban ministry. 

In the midst of cultural diversity, we want to celebrate the common language—lingua franca—that Christ provides and a shared way of life that increasingly values each and every person’s dignity as an image-bearer of God.

A number of professors highlight Black history and writing in their classrooms. Sessional art instructor AnnaLiisa Gison teaches her students about Nigerian and South African artists, reviewing the histories of each country in parallel. In March, associate professor of English Dr. Ben Faber will include a module on contemporary Black, Indigenous and person of colour (BIPOC) poetry in his course on poetry and drama. ​​Finally, this month, professor of chemistry and environmental science Dr. Edward Berkelaar gave two short lessons on molecules that significantly impacted the Black community.

“In formally observing Black History month, Redeemer is intentionally acknowledging the invaluable contributions of Black individuals to our shared history and faith,” says Heidi de Vries, legal counsel and vice president of strategic initiatives. “In the midst of cultural diversity, we want to celebrate the common language—lingua franca—that Christ provides and a shared way of life that increasingly values each and every person’s dignity as an image-bearer of God.”