|
news
Interfaith incorporates
many religions
By Alex Roman
Daily Forty-Niner
As problems of
college life begin to pile up, students may wonder where they
can find somebody to discuss their psychological or spiritual
questions.
The University
Interfaith Center, an affiliation of 11 different faith groups,
attempts to be the place where students can go to answer these
questions. The center is located in the University Student
Union, Room 103.
More importantly,
the center attempts to be the bridge that closes the gap between
different religious groups, while helping to build a stronger
sense of community on campus.
"We attempt to
enhance the educational experience for our students,”
said Mary Kay Will, United Methodist Campus minister.
Although the center
is a part of student services, each group is independently
funded by their denomination and receives no funds from the
university.
The faiths represented
are as diverse as the student body at Cal State Long Beach.
They range from Catholic to Hindu to Unitarian, and also have
strong religious ties outside of campus in the broader community.
"Every group is
open to students who are interested,” said Will of the
diverse religious groups. "We're not exclusive, we're all
very inclusive.”
Each group has
its own program for students, which range from trips to Israel
so Jewish students can discover their roots to Bible studies
and social events aimed at giving students a place to belong.
"One of the most
important things we offer is a place to build a community,”
said Will. "Many students feel isolated and alone, but for
students who come in can find people with similar interests
and values that will allow them to grow and learn spiritually.”
Also, the center
has worked with the Student Orientation Advising and Registration
program to help inform students about high-pressure religious
groups that have become prevalent on campus. Unlike the Interfaith
Center, these groups are not associated with student services
and are not encouraged by the university.
"We worked with
the University Police this semester and were able to give
out information about these groups to new incoming students
that participated in the SOAR program,” said Will.
|
