GW Interfaith: A to Z

INTERFAITH AT GW

AZ TO

Brought to you by GW Interfaith Council | Seeking the light of good in others

INTERFAITH WEEK 2021

Dear GW, There has always been a multitude of interfaith opportunities at GW, and this past year of virtual instruction has been no different. Student leaders at the GW Interfaith Council and across the university made important decisions about how to create community when students were farther apart than ever.

This dictionary serves two purposes: the first is to show the breadth of interfaith programming at GW. The second is to guide subsequent classes of GW students toward amazing interfaith opportunities where they can devote their time and talents. Happy Interfaith Week 2021. We hope to see you soon. Remember to seek the light of good in others during these challenging times.

Sincerely, GW Interfaith Council

Baháʼí Club: Baháʼí Club acknowledges that the common thread between world religions is unity, oneness, and justice and aims to include everyone in order to achieve this goal. Anyone, no matter their background, religious or non-religious, can join. The club meets to question our world and its systems at play in a spirit of love, humility, and acceptance.

Buddhism Club: The SGI GW Campus Club practices Nichiren Buddhism, which teaches that each person has within the courage, wisdom and compassion to achieve happiness.

Department of Religion: The George Washington University Department of Religion teaches religious history and traditions as a foundation for understanding our complex, modern world. Students are immersed in vigorous discussions on the religions of Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity and both Sunni and Shi’ite Islam and develop critical thinking and communication skills that can be applied to successful professional experiences.The Department of Religion offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs,

GW Catholics: GW Catholics and the Newman Center offer opportunities to develop a more personal relationship with Christ and an ever-deepening love for His Church and one another. They welcome all to come by to pray, study, eat, or just hang out.

The Hindu Students Association: is an open and welcoming community for Hindus and non-Hindus alike. They host various events on campus like Diwali (festival of light), Holi (festival of color), Maha Shivaratri, and Interfaith Panels. All of their events are open to everyone and most have free admission and free food.

Interfaith Prayer-Meditation Space: located on the third floor of the MSSC, the Interfaith Prayer-Meditation Space is a quiet room where students can deepen their faith, look at materials from other faiths, or simply enjoy some silence.

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship: IVCF is a community dedicated to learning more about Jesus and serving the overall GW campus. They hold weekly student-led Bible studies and other activities, all with the purpose of cultivating deep relationships and genuine fellowship.

Jewish Student Association: JSA and Hillel partner together to represent the interests of all Jewish students at GW, work with other student groups and campus administration to support and celebrate the Jewish community, serve as a unified voice for the Jewish community, and act in pursuance of Jewish laws, traditions, and values.

Kehila: Kehila GW was founded to provide LGBTQ+ Jewish students with a safe space where they are free to unapologetically be and present their most authentic selves. Kehila gives students the opportunity to grapple with and engage their LGBTQ+ identity, their Jewish identity, and the intersection of those identities.

Muslim Student Association: MSA is a student-run organization that strives to promote unity amongst Muslim students as well as education for those interested in the Muslim faith through on-campus and off-campus events and gatherings.

Multicultural Student Services Center: The MSSC was founded at GW in 1968 after the Adam's Order required the desegregation of public universities in 13 states. It now enhances the GW experience by preparing students for success in an increasingly diverse and global society. The Interfaith Prayer-Meditation Space is located on the third floor of its building on G Street.

The Office for Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement: The ODECE provides leadership, resources, and support to advance and sustain inclusive environments for faculty, staff, and students across the university. They are also a resource to submit a report against a bias related act. Vice Provost Caroline Laguerre-Brown says, "our capacity to maintain academic excellence, to solve our greatest problems, and to serve others can only be enhanced by a diverse and truly inclusive campus community."

Sikh Student Association: SSA's mission is to promote awareness of Sikhism on campus and to foster a better sense of community amongst the Sikh students in the DC metro area. They aim to unite not only GWU Sikhs, but also Sikh students from all over DC.

Compiled by Julia Kerrigan