Spiritual Life Night encourages students to explore interfaith organizations

The Grand Valley community can tour the new Inclusive Prayer and Meditation Space on the Allendale Campus Wednesday, September 16, from 4-6 p.m.

The new space, located in the Kirkhof Center, room 2243, was developed by the Inclusive Prayer and Meditation Task Force, which is comprised of members of the Student Senate, Faculty Senate, Kaufman Interfaith Institute, and other religious groups on campus. 

Andrew Plague, former Student Senate president, and Karen Gipson, Faculty Senate president, initiated and currently lead the task force.

Speakers at the open house at 4:30 p.m. will include Jesse Bernal, vice president for Inclusion and Equity, and Katie Gordon, Kaufman Interfaith Institute program manager. Bernal will speak to the importance for inclusion and religious diversity on campus, while Gordon will discuss community connections between Grand Valley and the broader interfaith community. Student interfaith leaders will also be on hand to talk about interfaith opportunities that exist at Grand Valley for students.

Following the open house, the second annual Spiritual Life Night will take place from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center, room 2215/2216. Gordon said Spiritual Life Night is the equivalent of a “miniature Campus Life Night” during which students can explore the various religious, spiritual and secular student organizations at Grand Valley.

“We want students from all belief systems or backgrounds to feel like they can create a spiritual or secular home at Grand Valley,” Gordon said.

Organizations represented at the event will include the Muslim Students Association, Hillel, Mindfulness and Meditation, Center for Inquiry, Catholic Student Association, Campus Ministry and many more.

“These years spent on campus can be a great time to explore and ultimately define a person’s faith or spiritual life,” Gordon said. “We are seeking to create an environment where everyone can find it easy to connect with others both of similar and different traditions.”