Inter-Religious Studies Program

Recently, a community group asked me for the “elevator speech” about inter-religious cooperation. “Why,” they asked, “do people of different faiths go out of their way to work together? And what makes it so hard, sometimes?” As I answered their questions, I realized the answers express the goals of VST’s Inter-Religious Studies Program—our way of leaning into the school’s mission of “hospitable, respectful collaboration for the good of all creation.”

Diverse religious communities work together for many reasons. They may advocate in unison for laws that protect religious diversity, and for school programs that reduce bullying and hate crimes. They may pool their resources to care for vulnerable people, working together to feed the hungry or offer chaplaincy support. Faith leaders from different traditions may ask each other questions about best practices. And, of course, neighbours may simply gather for friendship and learning.

Our province’s initial response to COVID-19 lockdowns is a great example of inter-religious cooperation. Most of BC’s religious communities supported public health measures. Spiritual leaders explained their support in different ways, depending on the traditions of their community. But they all wondered how to provide food, visits, and emotional support in COVID-safe ways. So, they shared best practices in “town hall” conference calls with health officials, in multi-faith Facebook groups, and through personal conversation, with colleagues of different faiths.

But, helpful as it is, this collaboration isn’t usually easy. Often it takes all a faith community’s efforts just to care for their own close circle. Even when they want to reach out, they may not be skilled in intercultural communication. They might not know how to navigate incompatible theologies, political differences, or histories of trauma.

VST’s Inter-Religious Studies program aims to help faith communities and leaders navigate successfully. All VST students choose at least one elective course in religious pluralism. Some courses help students learn about their neighbors’ practices; others focus on skills in listening, dialogue, and cooperation. Students pursuing the MA in Indigenous and Inter-religious Studies (MA IIS) go deeper. They train to become experts, supporting others in Reconciliation and community-building. Members of the larger community join us for our annual Inter-Religious conference. The event offers a safe, structured forum for exchange, where participants often form new relationships and imagine new projects.

Our 2021 online Inter-Religious Studies conference on “Religion and Thoughtful Activism” brought together 150 people for a three-day think tank. Many of our faculty, students, and research associates presented original research. The forty presenters included scholars and activists from five different countries and eight different spiritual traditions. Our first keynote speaker, Shachi Kurl of the Angus Reid Institute, talked about the challenges and opportunities for people of faith who care about the public good. Our second keynote featured Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Noor Awad from Roots Palestinian-Israeli Network. They spoke of the slow but powerful work of connecting across fractured political narratives.

Students in the MA IIS program—in addition to their thesis—do applied field work that facilitates community connections. For example, Kevin McCarty authored an updated World Religions curriculum for Seventh Day Adventist schools. Nirmalya Das, mentored by VST graduate Lauren Sanders, is improving support for Indigenous residents at a Richmond shelter. Shadia Qubti is creating an inter-religious podcast to share VST’s work with a wider audience.

Would you like to learn more about our work? Join us for our annual conference May 24-26 on Religious Responses to Climate Change. Log in to our spring Commons Hour, where we will explore spiritual practice from a non-Christian tradition. Read the chapter “Approaching Inter-Religious Studies” in the faculty’s new book Before Theological Study: A Thoughtful, Engaged, and Generous Approach (Wipf & Stock, 2021; edited by Maier, Moyse, and Topping). Listen to the podcast “Distant Prayers,” summarizing religious cooperation and conflict around COVID-19—the work of our interdisciplinary, interfaith group at UBC, funded by a Wall Institute grant. Or just send me an email, and let me know what interests you.

Rabbi Dr. Laura Duhan-Kaplan
LDKaplan@vst.edu

“Otherwise Affiliated” Group

This student-led spiritual sharing group meets monthly (selected Tuesdays at 12:00 noon) for sharing of ritual and discussion. Open to all students, it provides an alternative to denominational worship services.

Recent participants have represented Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu, Unitarian, Bahai, Mennonite, Methodist, and Unity traditions.

Community Multifaith Projects

How do VST students and graduates bring their inter-religious learning into the community? Here is a snapshot of some of their work.

• Rev. Lorraine Ashdown, a graduate of the IIS Diploma program, facilitates a multi-faith women’s wisdom circle in Vancouver.
• Ryan Tristin Chapman, a graduate of the MAIIS program, has organized Interfaith Garden Tours and ecological discussions in Vancouver.
• Chris Osahon Eigbike, a graduate of the MAIIS program, organized World Interfaith Harmony Week for the Surrey Interfaith Council.
• Arun Chatterjee, a graduate of the MAPPL program, has organized Surrey’s Interfaith Feed the Hungry Project.
• Dr. Eloecea, a graduate of the MAIIS Program, works as an Interfaith Counsellor at the Living Interfaith Sanctuary. Cathy Merchant, a current student in the M.Div. program, founded the Sanctuary, an inclusive spiritual community open to people and practices from multiple traditions.
• Tuveyc Mordag, a graduate of the M.Div. program, has started the 2H Organization, providing cultural support to immigrants from Eastern Europe and the Caucasus region.
• Elyse Brazel, a graduate of the IIS Diploma Program, is the Education Coordinator at the University of Calgary’s Faith and Spirituality Centre.