Faith and Spirituality Centre resources available to build a more inclusive campus; dinner and open house Jan. 11

The University of Calgary is home to a vibrant campus community with students, staff and faculty of many faiths, cultures and origins. Our diversity is one of our strengths, but it also means we must work to ensure we are making our events inclusive for the enjoyment of everyone on our campus. 

Pearl Nieuwenhuis, Christian chaplain (Christian Reformed) at the Faith and Spirituality Centre (FSC) believes fostering inclusivity is the right thing to do.

• Photo above: The Faith and Spirituality Centre seeks to cultivate a pluralistic community by encouraging cultural and religious literacy, community building, and social change as an integral part of the student experience. University of Calgary photo

"If I think about my own experiences with being excluded — being a woman there have been lots of places where I’ve been overlooked or diminished," she explains. "To be inclusive, whether it’s around gender, sexuality or faith makes for a healthier and more wholesome place. My life is enriched and I become a better person when I live with an openness to 'the other.' Our Faith and Spirituality Centre is a place that intentionally seeks to be inclusive and hospitable."

However, fostering inclusivity takes a commitment to learning. Workshops like How to Plan Inclusive Events covers topics like food choices, timing, and contact between genders. Queer(y)ing Faith is a workshop where personal stories from the queer and faithful are heard and discussed. Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory discusses culturally patterned ways to solve problems.

All are welcome to dinner and open house Jan. 11

Building religious literacy creates the foundation for inclusivity. Community members are invited to come to the FSC’s Food for Thought dinner and open house on Thursday, Jan. 11. They can also view Religious Digs, a video series featuring partners in faith communities in Calgary, or join an upcoming Sacred Space visit.

Religious pluralism is another mandate of the FSC. Religious pluralism means to understand and respect the many religions represented here, while forging reciprocal relationships and exploring cultural and religious differences through sharing personal experiences. The FSC encourages religious pluralism through the Interreligious Student Alliance, Pluralism and Religious Diversity Week and the award-winning Kaleidoscope Project.

“[Pluralism is about coming] to a respectful place of understanding our similarities and differences. We develop relationships with each other and are able to engage in conversations about each other’s spiritual traditions," says Nieuwenhuis. "Together, we wrestle with real examples of religion in the public sphere of Canadian life. That’s the beauty of the Kaleidoscope Project.”

As we work together toward the goal of religious inclusivity on campus, the Faith and Spirituality Centre is here to support you. Contact Adriana Tulissi at 403-220-5451 to consult with the centre on how you can make your area more inclusive. FSC workshops and training are available to students, faculty and staff.

Questions to consider when planning your next campus event

Q: My workshop provides lunch; what should I serve?

A: Many campus community members observe specific dietary practices for religious reasons. The Faith and Spirituality Centre has put together a number of fact sheets  that can help guide your catering choices.

Q: My event is on Friday night; am I being exclusionary?

A: Many people of faith observe the Sabbath from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. Need help finding a time? Consult this guide to major religious holidays. Professionals who want to build religious and culturally inclusive workplaces may find the FSC's continuing educationcourse useful.