May 9, 2025

On this commencement day, when our graduates leave Brite Divinity School to pursue a world transformed by God’s love, mercy, and justice, we are reminded of just how much transformation this world needs. For several months, we have watched institutions of higher learning face increasing pressure to roll back their commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

As a Christian institution, this is not possible for Brite Divinity School. As an institution affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), our fundamental commitment is to make a place at the table for all of God’s children. As we have said previously, to shrink from that responsibility would not only dishonor the graduates we are sending out into the world, but would rob our faith of its meaning. We would be selling our birthright for a mess of pottage.

As such, on this commencement day, we honor our graduates by recommitting to walk alongside them in their pursuit of God’s love, mercy, and justice. Today, we formally release a Resolution in Support of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility by our Board of Trustees which “affirms and commits to upholding the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as foundational to our shared mission and work.”

For however long it takes, Brite Divinity School is resolved to walking alongside all who work for a world transformed by God’s love, mercy, and justice.

May none of us walk alone. 

Sincerely,

Rev. Stephen Cady, PhD
President, Brite Divinity School