Campus Religious Diversity: Ecumenical and Interfaith
Many NetVUE colleges and universities are encountering greater religious diversity among their students. On some campuses, institutions that are historically rooted in a particular Christian theological tradition are becoming more ecumenically Christian in their orientation and vocational programming. On other campuses, students, faculty members, and staff from a variety of religious traditions, including Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu, seek to create interreligious communities of learning, conversation, and practice. How can the chaplaincy address the increasing religious diversity on campus?
Patricia M. Gibbs, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Wesleyan College (GA)
Melissa M. Maxwell-Doherty, Campus Pastor, California Lutheran University
Chair: Alexander W. Whitaker IV, Chief of Staff, Berry College
Engaging Religious Partners beyond the Campus
Campus chaplains frequently develop partnerships with off-campus religious organizations, including local congregations, para-church groups, and ministerial associations. What issues do chaplains and religious life leaders need to consider in order to develop effective working relationships with such groups? How do campus organizational structures and alignments assist or impede in establishing and sustaining such partnerships? Presenters will discuss varied models and strategies to address partnerships with off-campus religious organizations.
J. Wayne Clark, Chaplain, Hendrix College
Melanie-Prejean Sullivan, Director of Campus Ministry, Bellarmine University
Chair: Fred W. Rhodes, Vice President for Student Affairs, Bellarmine University
Relationships with Founding Religious Bodies and Current Stakeholders
College and university leaders have substantial engagement with religious organizations that can influence future directions of the institution. These organizations may include sponsoring religious bodies, founding societies, and other stakeholders, such as trustees, alumni, and donors. What do presidents and other senior campus leaders think about relationships with historic and current religious partners as they seek to strengthen campus chaplaincy and foster vocational exploration?
Francesco C. Cesareo, President, Assumption College
Frederik Ohles, President, Nebraska Wesleyan University
Chair: Loren E. Swartzendruber, President, Eastern Mennonite University
The Chaplain’s Role in Developing Religious Literacy and Faith Fluency
Whether they come to campus with a particular faith commitment or no religious belief, students frequently encounter a diverse array of religious traditions and practices. Beyond achieving a better understanding of these traditions, many students seek guidance in making personal choices about religious faith as well as the practices, beliefs, and values associated with specific faith traditions. Presenters will discuss the faith-formation needs of students and approaches used by those charged with shepherding the spiritual development of their students.
William M. Joensen, Dean of Campus Spiritual Life, Loras College
Amy Zalk Larson, Campus Pastor, Luther College
Chair: Charlie T. McCormick, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Schreiner University