Chaplaincy Support
In the last two years, the University Chaplains and Honorary members of the Chaplaincy team have intentionally supported students in the Jewish Society, one of the smallest student societies, and the Muslim Students Association, one of the largest. Members and individuals in both communities have experienced inequality in different ways, and each have experienced victimisation or antagonism due to their faith/religious identity. The Chaplaincy recognises that their expression and freedom of religious practice, meaning and identity, has value and challenges, which can be overlooked in general discourse on discrimination. These can also be misunderstood in relation to the University as a ‘secular’ institution. In particular, the Chaplaincy has:
- Advocated for provision and improvement of prayer spaces throughout campus and the continued provision of Jumu’ah (Muslim) Friday Prayer facilities near the main campus (attended by more than 100 students each week).
- Publicise/communicate the inclusion of Prayer space locations on the UofG Life App.
- Supported Jewish students in their organisation of special commemorative events on campus, helping smooth the way to engaging with complex facilities and security operations.
- Provision and organisation of a regular room for Jewish students’ social gathering.