Two interfaith events create space for conversations

January 7, 2025 (Volume 48, Number 9)
Article by Annie Pettit

students in head scarves eat a meal while sitting on the floor of a mosque

The Kaufman Interfaith Institute will again host sacred site visits beginning January 14.

The Kaufman Interfaith Institute will host campus community events in January with the goal of enhancing people's understanding of different faiths.

Liz English, program coordinator, said the institute's sacred site visits will return beginning January 14, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Masjid Al-Tawheed in Kentwood. English said participants will learn about the Muslim faith and experience the cultural diversity of West Michigan in person.

"Meaningful connection, interfaith understanding and transformation are the three foundational pieces of our sacred site visits,” English said.

Future sacred site visits include a trip to the Grand Rapids Buddhist Temple in February and Temple Emanuel in March. Students and others who are interested in attending the sacred site visit can RSVP here.

The Kaufman Interfaith Institute Multifaith Dinner is January 21, 7-9 p.m., in the Kirkhof Center, room 2263. English said this dinner, with facilitated conversations, is the first of its kind for students.

“This whole space is encouraging Lakers to engage with each other across deep differences and recognize that we all are speaking and living from our own particular identity,” she said. “ A big part of who we are is experimenting and listening to the needs of students and creating spaces in response.”

People interested in attending the multifaith dinner can RSVP here.