Interfaith Engagement
We are committed to the diversity of religious and secular life on campus, which is why The Center emphasizes interfaith engagement through our many distinctive programs, such as the Butler Series on Religion and Society, the New View Film Series, the Interfaith Council, and advocacy for religious accommodations.
Interfaith Goals
Interfaith engagement opportunities should foster both learning about religious, spiritual, and secular worldviews while also encouraging relationships across those different identities and commitments as well.
We encourage interfaith engagement on Butler’s campus with the following goals:
Interfaith engagement opportunities should foster learning about both religious, spiritual, and secular worldviews while also encouraging relationships across those different identities and commitments as well.
Our interfaith programs aim to:
- Build interfaith community
- Enhance religious literacy and learning
- Develop interfaith leadership skills
Interfaith Council—2024-2025
Students can apply for one of twelve spots on the Interfaith Council each fall! Sponsored by The Compass Center, Butler’s Interfaith Council brings together students of all academic years, majors, and religious and secular backgrounds for dinner and discussion aimed at learning across differences, gaining knowledge of other faith traditions, and cooperatively leading interfaith engagement on campus. While belonging to a tight-knit community of interfaith leaders, Council participants will benefit from:
- A deepened understanding of other religious traditions
- Lasting friendships with a diverse group of peers
- Resume-building experience working with people of different backgrounds
- Leadership development
- Free food!
Council members will meet every other week throughout the duration of the school year on Thursdays from 5:30-7:00 PM.
Butler’s Interfaith Council looks to promote interfaith dialogue and inclusion within the Butler and Indianapolis community. This dialogue will occur through extensive conversations as a Council across a diverse set of spiritual, religious, and philosophical backgrounds. The Council will create broader community events to promote religious appreciation.
Members of the Council must be committed to interfaith relationships, value teamwork, and aspire towards leadership on campus. The Council will function as a team and work together to engage the Butler community.
Current Interfaith Opportunities
The Butler University Series on Religion and Society is a program that promotes understanding of interfaith and intercultural relations through the discussion of religious issues in global perspectives.
A New View Film Series journeys outside everyday life to explore new world views through film screenings and discussions with the audience.
We believe people from diverse faith background can dialogue, participate, and engage authentically. However, prayer, worship, and other spiritual practices may be challenging to do with integrity and authenticity in interfaith settings. For this reason, The Compass Center works to design “multifaith” services where various traditions are represented and shared into a space of diverse audiences who have the option to participate or observe as they choose. This is the approach for the Multifaith Prayer Service during Welcome Week and the Multifaith Baccalaureate Service prior to Commencement.