From a Habitat for Humanity Build to something called, “Speedfaithing”, many activities are planned to celebrate Campus Interfaith Week at Grand Valley State University. It kicks off Monday the 25th.
“When we’ve done this in the past, people of different faiths realize how much they have in common with each other and also that there are differences.”
That’s Kevin McIntosh, Coordinator of Campus Interfaith Resources.
He’s talking about “Speed-faithing”… that’s one of the activities planned for Interfaith week which starts Monday on the Grand Valley State University campus. It’s an interactive activity where you meet and ask questions for 90 seconds about religious traditions before moving on. McIntosh says that’s just one of the ways participants can learn about another’s faith or religion. The idea here is to raise awareness.
“Interfaith is really a time to celebrate the various religious and secular and spiritual traditions on campus. We know that there are many different religion traditions on campus and it’s really time for people to get together and learn about them.”
McIntosh says many students are generally eager to learn about other’s beliefs adding it’s good to gain a larger perspective.
“When students leave Grand Valley, even in Grand Valley right now, that it’s not a homogenous religious population. So I think for people to understand more about different world views that make up Grand Rapids, make up Michigan that make up the nation. We see in reports that religious diversity continues to increase. And so I think it’s important that students think about being global citizens.”
One of the other activities includes a Habitat Build. McIntosh says the time spent there can be eye opening for many.
“And it really does start off with you doing work together. And you’re seeing sort of the similarities that you have and you’re building a friendship. Research studies have shown that having a friendship with someone from a different tradition, allows you to gain more appreciation for the entire group.”
Kick-off is Monday afternoon at 1 pm in the Kirkoff Center. You can go to gvsu.edu/campusinterfaith, for more information.
