The George Washington University and its Division of Student Affairs (DSA) have announced the creation of a new Interfaith Center for Spiritual Life that will begin operations in the fall 2024 semester.
The center will be located within the University Student Center and will support and enhance the religious and philosophical diversity of the University by providing opportunities to participate in spiritual life on campus through interfaith exchange, education, service, worship and meditation.
With a mission similar to that of its predecessor at George Washington University, the new center seeks to strengthen interfaith and spiritual engagement at George Washington University, promote and support spiritual development, theological reflection, religious tolerance, social justice, and social consciousness, and lead the integration of learning, faith, and service through a wide range of programs and partnerships to help students, faculty, staff, university leaders, and alumni understand and practice diverse religious identities, values, and commitments.
The program will work closely with other university offices and affiliated organizations, including the Center for Multicultural Student Services, the George Washington University Department of Religion led by Associate Professor Eileen Au, Hillel of George Washington University, Chabad of George Washington University, and the Newman Center. Religions represented at George Washington University and through local religious organizations include Baptist, Buddhist, Catholic, Episcopal, Jewish, Muslim, and Presbyterian, with others being added based on community interest.
“As an important part of our ongoing efforts to support and strengthen our community, the establishment of the Interfaith Center for Spiritual Life will allow us to enhance our programs and resources in this important aspect of university life,” said Collette Coleman, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “The establishment of the center is urgent as the effects of conflict continue to be felt around the world and on our campus.”
“Having the opportunity for our students – and all members of the GW community – to find connection and meaning within their own faith while also engaging with people of other faith-based identities, including atheists and agnostics, is critical to maintaining a culture of understanding, inclusion and belonging on campus.”
The establishment of the Center advances the goals of George Washington University’s “Strengthening Community in Challenging Times” plan, which includes a renewed emphasis on interfaith programs. The Center is part of a University-wide effort to strengthen a supportive campus environment based on the foundational principles of free inquiry, intellectual rigor, open dialogue, honest debate, and mutual respect.
“GW’s Interfaith Center for Spiritual Life marks an important milestone in our efforts to build a more inclusive and tolerant community at GW,” said Chancellor Ellen M. Grunberg. “By fostering a greater sense of belonging through spiritual exploration and education, the center will create new opportunities for our community to engage in meaningful dialogue across religions, cultures and beliefs with greater understanding and mutual respect.”
DSA is already recruiting leadership for the center, including a university chaplain who will oversee the center and facilitate an interfaith chaplaincy program leveraging GW and DC resources, and a director who will manage the center’s day-to-day operations, programming, communications and outreach.
Affiliated chaplains serve as spiritual leaders and provide guidance on religious and spiritual matters, and for several months DSA has been working with many faith and religious organizations on campus and throughout the region to engage them in leading faith topics and providing pastoral care and other support through the center.
Other programming will focus on individual spiritual direction, conversation series, service projects, residence hall events and religious holiday celebrations.
