DIVERSITY
I. Introduction –
The Manual of the Church of the Nazarene Provides –
b
904.3
The Church of the Nazarene reiterates its historic position of Christian compassion for people of all races. We believe that God is the Creator of all people, and that one blood are all people created.
We believe that each individual, regardless of race, color, gender, or creed, should have equality before law, including the right to vote, equal access to educational opportunity, according to one's ability, to earn a living free from any job or economic discrimination.
We urge our churches everywhere to continue and strengthen programs of education to promote racial understanding and harmony. We also feel that the scriptural admonition of Hebrews 12:14 should guide the actions of our people. We urge that each member of the Church of the Nazarene humbly examine his or her personal attitudes and actions toward others, as a first step in achieving the Christian goal of full participation b all in the life of the church and the entire community.
We reemphasize our belief that holiness of heart and life is the basis for right living. We believe that Christian charity between racial groups or gender will come when the hearts of people have been changed by complete submission to Jesus Christ, and that the essence of true Christianity consists in loving God with one's heart, soul, mind and strength, and one's neighbor as oneself.
II. Principles –
A. God loves each one of us.
B. "Love One Another" means– unconditional positive regard.
C. Erecting barriers to unconditional positive regard is wrong.
D. God hates sin and we should we.
Case One:
John is an office manager in a large corporation. The corporation includes this statement in all of its employment adds, "XYZ Corp. is an equal opportunity employer." John is responsible to hire a new receptionist for his office. After interviewing 10 candidates, he determines that a man is the most qualified. When he tells the president of the corporation that he intends to offer the receptionist position to a man, the president replies, "I really prefer a girl for that position. The receptionist is the person who first meets our customers. A nice looking young girl will make the best impression." What should John do?
Case Two:
Mary and John own a nice home in a suburban neighborhood. They learn that a person of Asian origin has purchased two lots in their subdivision and is constructing a building that looks a lot like a Buddist temple. It has two large commercial kitchens and twenty bathrooms. Would it be unethical for Mary and John to join with their neighbors in a suit to stop the construction?
Case Three:
A local Christian congregation belongs to a denomination that was started in the U.S. almost 100 years ago. Because of the denomination's emphasis on foreign missions, the growth of the denomination outside the U.S. has been so great that there are now more members outside the U.S. than inside. Is it ethical for the members who are from the U.S. to adopt rules intended to maintain control of the denomination by U.S. Citizens?
Case Four:
Raymond is a business owner who belongs to the "African-American Chamber of Commerce." Whenever possible, he does business only with other businesses which belong to the same organization. Is it ethical for Raymond to buy from only black owned businesses?
Case Five:
Mary and John were thrilled when their daughter called from college to say that she was dating a young man who was studying to be a doctor. He is a good Christian and comes from a Nazarene family. When their daughter brings the young man home they are shocked to learn that he is from Africa and is black. They don't feel good about the relationship. Would it be ethical for them to attempt to break up the relationship? What are the ethical issues?
written by Dave McClung
Gary Swartzlander, Coordinator
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