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Interfaith Space

ESF’s new Interfaith Space is a religiously neutral interfaith prayer and meditation space located on the first floor of Moon Library,around the corner from the circulation desk.

Interfaith Space is open during regular library hours, it provides a centrally located, private, and quiet environment for those who wish to participate in worship, prayer, and meditation while on ESF’s campus. We hope that this space might be a place of grounding and renewal.

For your convenience, the room is equipped with a shoe rack to store shoes and other private belongings; prayer mats; LED candles; a whiteboard; a shelf to hold books and other materials; and chairs for resting. Intentionally designed with simple furnishings, this room is intended to be an inclusive and welcoming space for all members of the ESF Community. We ask that all individuals treat all faiths and practices with respect, regardless of personal beliefs. We ask that all users abide by the following guidelines to ensure mutual respect for the space. 

Space Guidelines

  • Please respect the need for a peaceful, quiet atmosphere. 
    • The room is to be used for prayer, meditation, and reflection and not as a lounge, study room, meeting room or other purpose not involved with the aforementioned practices.
  • Shoes are to be removed and placed on the provided racks immediately upon entrance.
  • For visitors who need to wash before or after visiting, there are restrooms located on the basement floor of the Library; Down the main stairs by the cafe or by the Writing Resource Center.
  • The use of fire, including lit candles or incense, is not permitted. LED candles are provided for use. Please return them to the charger when done.
  • No food or beverages are allowed in the room. Water bottles are permitted.
  • No laptops, video, or photography.
  • Animals are not permitted in the room.
  • Individuals must keep the room clean. You may move furniture to accommodate your prayer/meditation needs; Mats, chairs, and other furniture items must remain in the room and should be returned to their original location.
  • Light music or sound machines can be played, as long as all individuals are in agreement. A sound machine has been provided for your use.
    • If a request is made for silence by any individual, the request must be granted.
  • Cleaning/sanitizing supplies are available for individuals to wipe down mats/chairs before and after usage.
  • Items used for prayer, meditation, and reflection, and Symbols of faith should be stored after use. The overall tone of the room shall remain religiously neutral.
  • Individuals can bring their own items into the space for their practice, but we suggest removing them when you leave. The door to this space will remain locked but we cannot completely guarantee the safety of items left behind.
  • Contact studentinvolvement@esf.edu to discuss weekly meetings or other events in this space.
  • Any damage to space or equipment must be promptly reported to studentinvolvement@esf.edu or by visiting the library front desk.

Interfaith Council (IFC)

With the opening of a new Interfaith space on campus, there is a need and desire to establish a group to oversee this space and associated topics. The Interfaith Council remains a vision in progress, and we see interested community members helping to shape its vision and operation. In terms of preliminary vision and work, potential tasks and discussion topics include (but is not limited to):

  • Developing relationships and collaborations with ESF student organizations, community members, local faith communities, and interfaith organizations, including Hendricks Chapel.
  • Advocacy efforts in which the IFC would work to ensure policies, facilities, and campus culture are inclusive of all faiths and worldviews (e.g., advocating for prayer rooms, dietary accommodations, or religious holiday observances).
  • Dialogue and Education
  • Hosting panel discussions, workshops, and guest speakers on interfaith topics.
  • Recognizing and celebrating religious holidays and traditions through campus-wide events or displays. 

The council will be comprised of representatives from all over campus; students, faculty, staff, and community members from diverse religious, spiritual, and secular backgrounds. The council will have rotating and/or shared leadership among members or designated chair/co-chairs elected by the council.