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The University Interfaith Chaplaincy

With deep roots and abiding relationships with the United Church of Christ that informs a strong foundation, the Chaplaincy is multi-religious and multi-faith in expression, and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and administration. The Chaplaincy supports members of our University as they seek to establish community and a sense of belonging and purpose in the world. In the building of our campus community, that spirit of engagement and intellectual activity is foundational for all students, faculty, and staff.

The Chaplaincy serves all faith traditions, and those with none, as it seeks to foster a diverse student body, one that mirrors the realities of the world. In addition to the Chaplain, other members of the office include 21 co-chaplains and advisors who represent multiple faiths and serve the campus community in a non-paid fashion. Fr. Tom Paul, Roman Catholic Chaplains and support for the Newman Center of Elmhurst University, Prof. Inam Haq, Muslim Chaplain and faculty members, and advisor to our Muslim Student Association, MSA, Rabbi Steven Bob and Rabbi Andrea Cosnowsky, Jewish Chaplains, faculty and advisors to Hillel at Elmhurst. All work to build a safe, joy-filled, and welcoming environment to grow and learn. Through group activities, worship, programs, study opportunities, lectures, retreats and community service, students are invited to participate in a host of ways that further their own religious and spiritual tradition while also exploring other expressions of faith. The Chaplaincy oversees the historic Holocaust Education and lectures of the University. It is also responsible for the Public Intellectual Life of the University and the emerging Critical Religious Literacy Project of the University.

The Spiritual Life Council, SLC , is the overarching organizational body the nurtures and engages the overall religious and spiritual life for students and all for the University. The Chaplaincy also provides counseling and support in times of transition and crisis working closely to support the University community. The role and journey inward and outward are key components in the life of the chaplaincy. Students find expression of the Chaplaincy’s services also in groups such as:

  • Bluejay Catholics and the Newman Center

  • Muslim Student Association

  • Women of Faith

  • Queer and Faithful Students

  • Hillel and Jewish Life

  • Student Christian Movement, SCM, and the World Student Christian Federation

  • Secular Students Association

  • Fellowship of Christian Athletics, FCA

  • Campus Crusade for Christ, CRU

  • UCC Student Fellowship

  • Hindu and Bahai Students

  • Every National Campus Ministries

Emerging student groups are always evolving. The Spiritual Life Council, SLC, serves as the overseeing umbrella organization that seeks to foster and nurture a diverse, vibrant and dynamic student religious and spiritual life. SLC meets weekly at 5pm in the Blume Board room and is open to all students. Coupled to these student groups are faculty and staff groups, interfaith in nature and alum associations. The National Church Associates, NCA, of the United Church of Christ is also housed under the Chaplaincy.