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This month, we are highlighting the Interfaith Center, which not only reflects the many diverse religious traditions on campus but also focuses on civic justice and helping students who may be affected by current events in the world.
Let's hear more from the Interfaith Center's Co-Chairperson and Chaplain of the Islamic Society, Sr. Sanaa Nadim, and Executive Director of Hillel, Jessica Lemons:
What is the Interfaith Center, and how does it serve the Stony Brook community?
(Sanaa Nadim): The Interfaith Center is one of the most unique departments, I think, in the country and the world. The Interfaith Center was always a catalyst to bring students and administration of all faith groups, of all diverse backgrounds together in many, many ways through current events.
Whenever there is something in the world affecting our campus the Interfaith Center is here to counsel students, work with students, bring awareness to students, and work with them on many of the issues that are taking place in our society. So we are a vital organ that beats to the drum of the university.
What religions are part of the Interfaith Center that students can learn about or be a part of?
(Jessica Lemons): We are comprised of five different chaplaincies. There is the Islamic Society, the Protestant Campus Ministry, the Asian Christian Campus Ministry, the Catholic Campus Ministry, and Hillel which is our Jewish home on campus.
Do students need to have a spiritual background to join the Interfaith Center?
(Nadim): No! One of the most wonderful things about our Interfaith Center is, that whatever faith you wish to learn about, you absolutely can. There is continuous information, programs, and events that each ministry creates and they are open to everyone.
(Lemons): I think the reason why college is such an exciting time is because it's a crucial time for young adult development. For a lot of students, they're kind of figuring out what the world around them, actually means to them. A lot of times that strongly intersects with the questions that they may have around religion, whether it's the religion that they grew up with in their home or otherwise. College is a wonderful time to explore what that's going to mean to them for the rest of their lives.
How can our Seawolf Families best support their students who may have grown up with a different faith and are curious about learning another or vice versa, a student may not have any religious background and wants to explore one.
(Nadim): This comes in two phases. First, there is no proselytizing at Stony Brook. Interfaith Center ministers do not proselytize–ever. Exploring other faiths, or attending events of other faiths could help students relate to their faith in a new way. The idea is to respect the student's faith, but at the same time, respect their quest for the journey they wish to follow.
(Lemons): It's a completely open-door policy for us. If students want to explore and want to dabble, by all means, they should. Some of our most involved students at Hillel are Jewish, but a lot of them aren't. For the students who may want to divert away from the ways that they grew up, it can be challenging for families to cope but letting them explore and figure out their journey will help them find whatever is most meaningful to them.
Where can students and our families find out more about the Interfaith Center?
(Nadim): You can always find us on our website. We also host many programs throughout the year, so check out SBEngaged to see all of those. And of course, you can always drop by the Interfaith Center located on the lower level of the Union.
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