Some might believe an office shared by representatives of different faiths could be filled with conflict and tension, but at Memorial’s St. John’s campus the opposite is true. With chaplains representing Anglican, Muslim, Pentecostal and Salvation Army communities, Memorial’s inter-faith Chaplaincy is a place of mutual respect and support.

Visitors are always welcome at their office on the fifth floor of the University Centre, and anyone who stops by will quickly discover that the group radiates warmth and collegiality to all comers.

The Chaplaincy consists of Roger Whalen, Anglican chaplain; Kassem Abouchehade, Muslim chaplain; Marlene George, Salvation Army chaplain; and Robert Winsor, Pentecostal chaplain.

When asked how they put aside their theological views to work together, Ms. George responded with a message of respect and acceptance.

“It’s a mutual respect. What we represent, but also what we demonstrate, is mutual respect for our differences. Though, I think, we probably have more similarities than differences.”

As Ms. George spoke, the other chaplains smiled and nodded in agreement.

“We all have different points of theology, but we’re all about the same thing,” said Mr. Whalen. “We’re all about helping people and guiding them in their faith, yes, but also guiding them in their everyday life.”

Collaboration and co-operation with other faiths is an important part of Islam, says Mr. Abouchehade.

“As part of the Islamic faith, there is an obligation for me to have this wonderful relationship with other faiths,” he said. “This is part of what our religion teaches us. I convey these messages to our community in the mosque and to our students here on campus as well.”

Memorial’s Chaplaincy is sponsored by the faith communities in the city, and the office aims to provide the university community with spiritual support, guidance, counselling and resources. They also offer a listening ear for those who simply need to talk about their personal experiences. They provide support for memorial services on campus, mentor students in faith-focused student groups and associations and now have a more formal role in the new Student Support and Crisis Management unit in Student Life.

“We’re here to support the community in whatever way we can,” said Mr. Whalen.

Each Thursday during the fall, winter and spring semesters, the Chaplaincy partners with the Wellness Program from the Student Wellness and Counselling Centre to offer an “oasis” on the third floor of the University Centre. As aromas from the popcorn machine waft through the halls each week, the event is an invitation to students, faculty and staff to enjoy a selection of free treats and to stop in for a chat. The much-loved St. John Ambulance therapy dogs also visit the oasis about once a month.

The oasis began as an event hosted only during exams, but because of its popularity is now offered on Thursdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. during each semester and also during exams. The chaplains have seen about 15,000 visits during the two years they have been holding the event. They emphasize that all members of the university community are welcome.

This fall the chaplains look forward to meeting new students and to trying some satellite oasis events in the form of barbecues across campus. They will participate in the annual Remembrance Day ceremony, host a Ten Thousand Villages fair trade crafter’s market in November and will partner with the Campus Food Bank to help provide Christmas toys for children of students. They will also soon welcome a chaplain from the Roman Catholic community.

Later this fall, the Chaplaincy team will move to the third floor of the University Centre – right next door to Answers. For now, they can be found in the Student Wellness and Counselling Centre on the fifth floor.

For more information about the Chaplaincy, you can visit their website or pop into The Oasis on the third floor of the University Centre on Thursdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.