Students will see an increase in campus activities with an interfaith focus while faculty and clergy make plans to transform the abandoned Smith Hall into a dorm to house people of all faiths and denominations.
A planning committee met Aug. 29 and discussed different events that would take place in Smith Hall that would help OCU students become “better global citizens” and “move beyond coexistence to cooperation.” Among these plans are fireside chats with religious leaders and participation in the OKC area Interfaith Tour. The events in Smith Hall will tie into The World House Scholars Program and possibly world religion courses.
The World House Scholars Program is a program that teaches global responsibility and social change.
“I’m sure there are World House Scholars who would be interested,” said Dr. Joseph Meinhart, director of World House Scholars.
The main goal of the dorm is to create interfaith dialogue outside of public forums and guest speakers.
“Our hope is that the interfaith dorm will allow for more organic conversations to happen,” said the Rev. Dr. Charles Neff, vice president for university-church relations.
To remain sensitive to the residents’ religions, food in the dorm will be separated to adhere to Hillel and Kosher requirements, and there will be space provided for students to gather and pray. Opposite sexes will be separated if it is required.
The planning committee is in their fundraising phase. The project is estimated to cost $2.1 million, and a third of that has been raised so far. The plan is to open the dorm by Fall 2018, Neff said.
Last April, there was no set date for completion and the cost ranged about $2 million.
There are already opportunities for students to be involved in their faith communities on campus. Dr. Imam Imad Enchassi leads the Jumah prayers in the interfaith prayer room in Kramer West every Friday, and there is a new organization on campus called The Jewish Stars. There are also Baptist and Catholic student groups on campus.
“What we’re trying to do in church relations and religious life is bring those groups together,” Neff said. “The interfaith dorm is just one piece of that overall emphasis upon interfaith dialogue and cooperation.”
Neff said he hopes that, in the meantime, students can continue to form relationships with people who share different beliefs and come from different areas.
“It just takes intentionality,” Neff said. “The biggest barrier to interfaith dialogue is ourselves and our apprehension of asking questions.”
Melissa Feldman, voice junior and member of the Jewish Stars, said she feels like the dorm would be a great idea for anyone who wants to stay true to who they are.
“I’ve always been a devout Jew, and I love being in an organization that is dedicated to bringing awareness,” she said.
In addition to housing people of faith, Smith Hall will also house students who identify as atheist or agnostic. The purpose of the dorm is not to convert anyone to a particular religion, but for people to “understand each other and come together as people,” Neff said.
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