Interfaith Circle

This bi-weekly newsletter is promoted by the Dean of Students
Office at VT, in support of the new Interfaith Initiative.
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Edition 29 | May 7, 2020

Latest News

In this section, you will find the latest news about the Interfaith Initiative at Virginia Tech.

Interfaith Student Organization | Interest Meeting

Interested in participating in a new interfaith student organization at Virginia Tech? Attend the interest meeting online on Wednesday May 20, 5:30-7pm. Open to undergraduate and graduate students.

RSVP

Why interfaith?

Here we share articles about the importance of investing in interfaith dialogue and cooperation in contemporary society.

Essential Religious Communities in America | IFYC

“There has been talk of a ‘new normal’ that will emerge after this pandemic. My prayer for that new normal is that that each one of us – diverse in work, race, gender, ability, and, yes, religion – are all understood as essential.” Read this article by Paul Raushenbush, from IFYC.

Read the article

Learning about diverse traditions

Appreciative knowledge is an important part in the interfaith triangle. In this section, we share information to expand our religious, spiritual, and secular literacy, featuring different traditions/worldviews every week.

Soundscapes of Faith | Sikh Hymns

“For Sikhs, the mystical hymns of Sikhism are like love songs sung to God. Known as Shabad Kirtan, with words by founder Guru Nanak, they have been sung by Sikh Gurus since the 16th century.” Listen to this 2-minute podcast, part of Interfaith Voices’ award-winning celebration of sacred sounds.

Listen to the podcast

Diverse ways to live and to find meaning in life

Here, we share stories about how people find different ways to find meaning and purpose in their lives.

“What is God?” | Marcus Borg talks about his personal experience of God

Watch this inspiring 7-min video in which Dr. Marcus Borg, a late New Testament scholar, theologian and author, shares his personal vision and experience of the reality of God.

Watch the video

Interfaith Resources

Here, we share resources and content in support of interfaith activities and observances.

Interfaith Calendar 2020 | Religious and Cultural Observances

Keeping on top of the major religious holy days and festivals from diverse traditions is an important part of religious literacy and a key interfaith skill. Access this calendar organized by Read the Spirit and the Interfaith Observer.

Access the resource

Faith Communities at Virginia Tech

Get to know a group of faith communities serving Virginia Tech students from diverse faith traditions. Access the FCVT website to know more about the communities and get their contact information. (The communities are external to the university and their point of contact is the Dean of Students Office.)

Access the website

Engage with the Interfaith Initiative at VT

Participate in interfaith dialogue and cooperation at Virginia Tech. All are welcome, as the interfaith circle includes all religious, non-religious, spiritual, and secular identities.

Interfaith offerings in the Summer

Stay tuned, we will soon start advertising our interfaith online gatherings for the Summer. They will be open to faculty, staff, students, and community members. If you have suggestions or would like to help leading a session, please get in touch with our program director, Dr. Najla Mouchrek (najlamk@vt.edu)

Newsletter | Ed 29