Saint Anselm College's Benedictine heritage embraces the search for meaning that is at the heart of the human journey. The identities & practices of people of all faith backgrounds (as well as those who do not identify religiously) are deepened through open & honest dialogue and interaction with one another.
We welcome all persons, and it is because of our Catholic identity that we make this a priority. In Nostra Aetate, we are reminded, "One is the community of all peoples, one their origin, for God made the whole human race to live over the face of the earth." Indeed, Pope Francis echoed this in his October 15, 2015 homily, saying, "Beware of those who limit God's horizons and reduce the love of God down to our size."
As part of our mission as a college, we believe that we have a professional, social, and civic responsibility to our students and community to educate the entire person, which includes interreligious dialogue, understanding, and cooperation. Dialogue and Proclamation reminds us that "[The Catholic Church] is invited by the spirit to encourage all religious institutions and movements to meet, to enter into collaboration, and to purify themselves in order to promote truth and live, holiness, justice, love and peace, dimensions of that Kingdom which, at the end of time, Christ will hand over to his Father (cf. 1 Co 15:24). Thus, interreligious dialogue is truly part of the dialogue of salvation initiated by God."
The Office of Campus Ministry is a space for seekers of all faiths, and all are invited to explore questions of truth and meaning during their time on the Hilltop. Staff and resources are available for all, as are events. We sponsor numerous campus-wide opportunities for interreligious engagement, ranging from memorial and prayer services to interfaith dialogue events, often with our student-led Muslim Student Association, as well as InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and Orthodox Christian Fellowship.
Faithful Anselmians of all traditions participate in Campus RENEW (weekly faith-sharing groups), Bible study groups, Road for Hope (a 130 mile pilgrimage in August of each year), and Urban Immersion plus Service & Solidarity service trips. Exploration of one's interior life through mindfulness meditation or spiritual direction is also available. Those looking for a particular faith community may also participate in off-campus prayer or worship opportunities at nearby churches, synagogues, temples or mosques, though our campus Masses are open to all, regardless of religious tradition. For more information, contact Sarah Catherine Richardson, Campus Minister for Interfaith Engagement at srichardson@anselm.edu.