Multnomah University believes that every follower of Jesus Christ has a unique and important role within the Body of Christ. We believe and acknowledge that distinctiveness enhances the Body of Christ and allows us to weave a beautiful tapestry that honors the richness of our God. As the Apostle Paul says, “God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be?” (1 Cor. 12:18-19). For the Body of Christ to function as it was intended, each member must fulfill the distinct role that they were created from the very beginning (Ps. 139:16). For this reason, Multnomah University promotes diversity, inclusion, and respect.

If the goal is to cultivate a healthy, God-honoring educational community, Multnomah University believes that diversity and inclusion are a means to that end. Multnomah University encourages diversity amongst its students, faculty, and staff in order to promote empathy for people of various backgrounds and beliefs, to grow an appreciation for one another, and to move beyond mere tolerance to celebrating our differences.

Multnomah University admits qualified applicants regardless of sex, race, color, national origin, or disability who are personally committed to faith in Jesus Christ.

Multnomah complies fully with the regulations and guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We have established certain policies, procedures, and expectations that facilitate compliance with ADA standards. We provide reasonable academic adjustments or accommodations to allow equal opportunity and full participation in all programs for qualified students with professionally verified disabilities.

Detailed ADA information and the necessary applications can be obtained from Disability Resources by phone at (503) 251-5301 or email studentsuccess@barriewingz.com.

Certain ADA information also may be found on our website. These documents include:
ADA Policy Statement
Application for Accommodation
Professional Verification Form
Faculty Expectations and Procedures
Student Expectations and Procedures

The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) recently shared a statement that we, as a university, support:

The NAE laments the recurring trauma experienced by African Americans. We condemn racism and the violent abuse of power, call for justice for victims and their families and exhort churches to combat attitudes and systems that perpetuate racism. We are grateful for law enforcement officers who honorably serve and protect our communities, and urge our members to uphold them in prayer. Christians believe that racism is an affront to the value of individuals created in God’s image and to the divinely designed diversity of redeemed humanity. This denial of personhood and belonging runs contrary to the peace and unity that God intended in the beginning and that the Bible depicts as our destiny.

Racism appears in beliefs or practices that distinguish or elevate one race over others. When accompanied and sustained by imbalances of power, prejudice moves beyond individual relationships to institutional practices. Such racial injustice is the systemic perpetuation of racism. Its existence has unfairly benefited some and burdened others simply due to the color of their skin and the cultural associations based upon perceptions of race.

No race or ethnicity is greater or more valuable than another. Evangelicals believe that the good news of Jesus Christ has the power to break down racial and ethnic barriers (Ephesians 2:14–18). Racism should not only be addressed after tragic events. Our communities of faith must pursue sustained efforts in this labor of love and justice.

Over 35 Denominations & Traditions

It may surprise you to learn that Multnomah does not have a denominational allegiance or heritage. While many Bible institutes and colleges were founded by denominations, we were founded simply as a school of the Bible. The Multnomah University community celebrates over 35 different denominations and traditions of our faculty, staff, and students with countless theological distinctions and positions as well.

Prayer Chapel in Fall

Cultivating Diverse Perspectives

We value the diversity of traditions in our learning community. Our professors dialogue from different perspectives or traditions. Our students hear from other traditions in order to better understand and respect their peers from different denominations. Instead of deepening tribalism, our conversations in class and on campus wrestle with Scripture honestly, respect other points of view and deepen understanding.

Female Students Standing Together

Increasing Gospel Impact

While we all examine our frameworks in order to see Scripture more clearly, no one is asked to leave behind their tradition or culture. When a Multnomah student returns to their church or enters a new one they will be able to discuss other perspectives with intellectual integrity, empathy and love for neighbor, and Scripture. For the sake of the gospel, we do not reject other cultures, traditions, or perspectives.

Serving Others
Multicultural Engagement

Learn more about our Inclusive Development Initiatives like the Multicultural Center, the Undivided Club, Mosaic Month, and more.

Learn More