The first formal Interfaith Council Town Hall meeting saw three out of four student-run religious organizations: Newman Catholic, Muslim Educations & Cultural Association (MECA), and Hillel have come together in hopes of starting an open discussion regarding the struggles of practicing religion on campus.
The event took place on Wednesday, October 17 and comes weeks after the release of The Stute article regarding the displacement of Stevens’ religious-based organizations due to the destruction of Jacobus Hall and shortfalls in finding accommodation for these organizations in the new temporary Alexander Building. Presidents Carinne Wertheim of Hillel, Iman Alshafie of MECA, and Angelo Falabella of Newman Catholic headed the meeting in hopes of updating members of their organizations concerning the progress of finding a more permanent space for prayer and services.
All three presidents, representing the Interfaith Council, have met with Kenneth Nilsen, Dean of Students, and Sara Klein, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, and have started an open dialogue to resolve some of the issues that the religious organizations may face after Jacobus is torn down. Ideas have been considered and have now expanded with direct input from organization members from the Town Hall Meeting. A conversation between administration and these clubs will continue until a secure location for the needs of students of all faiths is found on campus.
Discussion points from the Interfaith Town Hall highlighted the lack of spaces on campus solely dedicated to individual reflection. This is seen in the form of daily or weekly prayer for the students that are part of these religious organizations, but the need for individual reflection is not exclusive in a religious context. Although the goal of the space would primarily be a location for prayer, it also would open the doors for all students, regardless of religious or cultural background, to find solitude from the pressures of constantly striving for success and to relieve the stress of coursework. These types of spaces of reflection, also known as Quiet Spaces, are gaining popularity and can even be found throughout large communities and buildings, such as airports and office buildings.
The interfaith conversations also brought up other topics of advocacy, such as expanding dining options for a wider range of vegetarian or Kosher diets. This would not only benefit the students of Jewish and Muslim faith, but also the increasing number of students that choose to have vegetarian diets for ethical, environmental, or health reasons. This goes to show that some of the issues that the Interfaith Council faces are also issues that many non-religious students already experience on campus.
MECA, Newman Catholic, and Hillel acknowledge that it is going to be difficult to create these spaces or ask for dining changes, but bringing three very different religious practices together in the Interfaith Council shows great progress. The students at the Town Hall meeting showed a great understanding of each other’s needs for practicing their different religions, and coming together sets the tone for the future of collaboration between organizations.
Students who want to learn more or make a comment regarding quiet spaces for the student body should reach out to Dante Volpe, the SGA Religious Subcommittee Head.
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