Overview
Distinguished by the diversity of its members, the University of Rochester welcomes people of various faiths from around the world. The Interfaith Chapel works to support the expression of this mixture of heritages and groups.
Chaplains and Faith Community Leaders
The University has twelve religious or spiritual groups or communities that are part of the Interfaith Chapel. The Roman Catholic Newman Community, the Protestant Chapel Community, Hillel, Chabad and Cru all have full-time chaplains or religious leaders serving their student community, and three of those chaplains have offices in the interfaith chapel.
The Zen Meditation Group and Buddhist Student Association, URCF, the Muslim community, the Hindu community, the Pagan Students Association and Agape are all served by part-time chaplains or religious leaders who share office space in the Interfaith Chapel. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a student group that primarily gathers for prayer and mutual support in the athletic spaces on campus.
The Students Association for Interfaith Cooperation provides interfaith programming and events bringing together students of many different faith traditions for interreligious education, dialogue and service. They are advised by the Director of Religious and Spiritual Life.
The director, chaplains, and faith community leaders work together to respond to students’ needs in ways that meet present-day religious and spiritual realities. We strive to bridge boundaries that traditionally have divided people of different faith traditions, and of none at all. We encourage students to embrace the diversity that is so much a part of life in this University and our nation and to claim that diversity as a means for intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth.
Communities
The chapel currently hosts the following faith communities:
- Agape Christian Fellowship
- Chabad House
- Cru
- Hillel – Jewish Life
- Hindu Community
- InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship
- Muslim Students’ Association
- Newman Community – Roman Catholic Christianity
- Pagan Students' Association
- Protestant Chapel Community
- UR Buddhist Meditation Group
- UR Christian Fellowship
Agape Christian Fellowship
A multi-ethnic student group devoted to learning, understanding, and applying the Word of God into our lives. We seek to impact our community and culture through various service projects and volunteer involvement opportunities. See the Agape Christian Fellowship website for more information.
Charles Muratore
Chaplain
chazmur@gmail.com
(585) 943-6937
Chabad House – Jewish Student Community
It’s warm and friendly atmosphere has earned the Chabad House a reputation as a “home away from home” for students, where a meaningful Jewish experience can be enjoyed. See the Chabad House website for more information.
Rabbi Asher Yaras
(585) 503-9224
ayaras@ur.rochester.edu
Cru
Cru is a caring community, passionate about connecting people to Jesus Christ. Cru strives to create an environment where anyone can come dialogue and explore questions about faith and spirituality, as well as a place where Christian students can grow, mature, be mentored, and have opportunities to lead and live out their faith in Jesus Christ.
Mercy Gbenjo
mercy.gbenjo@cru.org
Hillel – Jewish Life
Hillel is proud to be the catalyst for vibrant, pluralistic, inclusive Jewish life at UR: all kinds of Jewish, all kinds of Jews. Hillel strives to foster an environment in which every Jewish student feels empowered to meaningfully engage with Judaism and Jewish living while on campus, and in an enduring way long after. See the Hillel website for more information.
Joy Getnick
(585) 314-3707
joy.getnick@rochesterhillel.org
Hindu Community
The programs and spaces of the Hindu Students’ Association are designed to nourish the mind, body and soul. Worship services support collaborative spiritual engagement while prayer and meditation spaces offer an opportunity for quiet introspection. Lectures and discussions address classical and contemporary themes. Hindus and non-Hindus, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, post-docs, staff and faculty are all welcome to be a part of the vibrant Hindu community at University of Rochester.
Sanjay Mathur
Advisor to Hindu, Sikh, Jain Students
(201) 757-2278
smathur6@ur.rochester.edu
InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship
We are a group of graduate students who are committed to developing a supportive community with the common goal of spiritual development, academic excellence, and Christian witness. Meeting times and locations based on the availability of interested students. Contact Eric Bean for details.
Eric Bean
eric.bean@intervarsity.org
615-476-2288
Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) – Islamic Community
Two MSAs (undergraduate and graduate) serve the Muslim students on campus. They provide programming of interest to the Muslim community, conduct Jumma prayers on Fridays, and participate in interfaith activities on campus to educate the community about Islam. See the Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) website for more information.
Zeynab Abdullayeva
Advisor to Muslim students
(585) 275-8517
zmancini@ur.rochester.edu
Newman Community – Roman Catholic Christianity
As people of Catholic Christian faith, we gather to enrich our relationship with God and one another by nurturing the link between intellectual and spiritual life. See the Newman Community website for more information.
Rev. Brian Cool
(585) 275-8523
bcool@admin.rochester.edu
Pagan Students' Association
Pagan Students' Association is a space for Pagan students of all paths and beliefs to practice our religion/spirituality, have community, learn from one another, and hold ritual celebrations together. Join our CCC group to stay updated!
Sean Watson
B114 Sigma Phi Epsilon House
Rochester NY 14627
https://www.rochester.edu/reslife/
(585) 276-6839
Protestant Chapel Community – Mainline Protestant Christianity
The Protestant Chapel Community is an open and inviting group of mainline Protestant Christian students who worship weekly and participate regularly together in programs of service, education, and fellowship. See the Protestant Chapel Community website for more information.
Rev. Samuel Kinsman
Protestant Chaplain
skinsman@UR.Rochester.edu
UR Buddhist Meditation Group
The Buddhist Meditation Group provides an opportunity for the U of R community to explore meditation and mindfulness practices informed by Buddhist principles. Kyle leads self-compassion, queer-centered, and trauma-informed practices as well as dialogs based on the teachings of Thích Nhất Hạnh. Whether you are completely new to mindfulness or an experienced Buddhist practitioner, you are welcome to sit in community with us.
Kyle Trenshaw
kyle.trenshaw@rochester.edu
UR Christian Fellowship – Christianity in the Gospel Tradition
The University of Rochester Christian Fellowship is dedicated to serving the University community by providing a Christian Protestant service in the spirit-filled gospel tradition. For more information see the UR Christian Fellowship website.
Brian White
(585) 275-8517
bwhite8@admin.rochester.edu