2008 Woodie Awards
Prayer room possible for all religions
Kelli Schlueter
Issue date: 12/4/06 Section: News
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The Minority and Cultural Affairs Committee of USG recently proposed bringing a multi-denominational prayer space that would be available for all religions and beliefs.
The room would also welcome those without particular religious affiliations, according to committee chair Bettina Johnson.
While the university already houses a few options for various religious groups on campus, the prayer space would welcome everyone, bringing to campus a sense of unity.
"What USG is looking into is not designating a specific room for prayer on campus, but an actual prayer room-a place that is different from any other place on campus where people will know it is a place for prayer or reflection," said Johnson.
The prayer room will most likely be housed in the former weight room and pool area downstairs in SCE.
Rob Rouzer, director of SCE and SCW, has met with USG a few times to determine the exact location and architectural design of the prayer room.
The Jewish-Arab-Muslim Students organization (JAMS) has also pursued similar activities in the past. JAMS formed in fall 2005, with the mission to promote interfaith and intercultural diversity around the campus.
The new prayer space would provide a location for faith based religious groups to meet, and bring members of the UIC community together on the common ground of faith and tolerance.
However, the introduction of an interfaith prayer space might bring up conflicts of interest and whether students will be able to maintain and share the space among them.
"Sure, there is the potential for tension with different groups of people, but this can potentially be alleviated by having specific groups reserve the room the way student groups are able to reserve conference rooms right now," said Johnson.
In order to encourage all religious groups to use the prayer room equally, the committee plans on designing a space that welcomes all faiths and includes a selection of books and religious symbols that reflect the diversity of the campus.
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The room would also welcome those without particular religious affiliations, according to committee chair Bettina Johnson.
While the university already houses a few options for various religious groups on campus, the prayer space would welcome everyone, bringing to campus a sense of unity.
"What USG is looking into is not designating a specific room for prayer on campus, but an actual prayer room-a place that is different from any other place on campus where people will know it is a place for prayer or reflection," said Johnson.
The prayer room will most likely be housed in the former weight room and pool area downstairs in SCE.
Rob Rouzer, director of SCE and SCW, has met with USG a few times to determine the exact location and architectural design of the prayer room.
The Jewish-Arab-Muslim Students organization (JAMS) has also pursued similar activities in the past. JAMS formed in fall 2005, with the mission to promote interfaith and intercultural diversity around the campus.
The new prayer space would provide a location for faith based religious groups to meet, and bring members of the UIC community together on the common ground of faith and tolerance.
However, the introduction of an interfaith prayer space might bring up conflicts of interest and whether students will be able to maintain and share the space among them.
"Sure, there is the potential for tension with different groups of people, but this can potentially be alleviated by having specific groups reserve the room the way student groups are able to reserve conference rooms right now," said Johnson.
In order to encourage all religious groups to use the prayer room equally, the committee plans on designing a space that welcomes all faiths and includes a selection of books and religious symbols that reflect the diversity of the campus.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 2
Bill Bremmer
posted 12/06/06 @ 9:47 AM CST
Sounds like we are becoming so afraid of the Muslim attendance that we?d better put in a prayer room under the cover of diversity. Far be it that any liberal institution grant a religious benefit without fear being its major motivation. (Continued…)
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