Interfaith Circle
This bi-weekly newsletter is promoted by the Dean of Students
Office at VT, in support of the Interfaith Program.
Welcome back for the new academic year! We hope to be
at your side while we navigate these uncharted territories.
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Edition 34 | September 2, 2020
Latest news
Photo: Luke Williams
Interfaith Program creates space for worldview dialogue and personal growth | VT News
“The aspiration is that college will be an increasingly welcoming environment for people’s whole selves, inclusive of their diverse religious & nonreligious identities, & nurturing their inner development & well-being.” Read all about the Interfaith Program at Virginia Tech in this VT News article.
Why interfaith?
Photo: IFYC
Provocative Encounters Increase Appreciation on College Campuses
Read about groundbreaking new research from IFYC which found that a high level of trust and goodwill—despite deep differences—emerges when college students have positive and provocative encounters (Interfaith Diversity Experiences & Attitudes Longitudinal Survey – IDEALS).
Learning about diverse traditions
Photo: Jenkins Center
Hospitality and the Gospel: Loving my Muslim Neighbor
“One of the major problems the American church faces when welcoming refugees is fear of the unknown. Many evangelical Christians have had little to no interaction with Muslims, and their view of Muslims is often created by the media (…)”. Read this interesting blog post published by the Jenkins Center for Christian Understanding of Islam.
Engage with the Interfaith Initiative at VT
NEXT WEEK: Fall Interfaith Bag Dialogues for faculty, staff, and community
Participate in a constructive dialogue about diverse traditions. Join us every other Thursday, 12-1 pm, Sep 10 to Dec 3. Click to sign up and attend the sessions, in which faculty, staff and community are welcome to present activities about their worldviews.
NEXT WEEK: Fall Interfaith Dialogues for Students
Dialogues with students from diverse traditions will happen over Zoom: every other Wednesday 5:30 to 7 pm, from September 9 to December 2. Click to sign up and attend the sessions, in which students are also invited to facilitate dialogues about their tradition.
Starting tomorrow: Exploring Purpose & Meaning Support Group
Safe space for students to talk about experiences, reflect about worldviews and values, and engage in creative activities around life goals. Via Zoom every other Thursday 3:30-5pm, Sep 3 to Dec 3. Partnership Dean of Students Office and Cook Counseling Center. Click to RSVP.
Previous editions
Access the previous editions of the Interfaith Circle Newsletter.