Spiritual and Religious Life

The Office of Spiritual and Religious Life supports students in learning, growing in leadership, and developing as whole persons. We seek to nurture and encourage students of faith to deepen their engagement with their own faith traditions, while developing respect for religious difference. We work with other campus constituents to enhance the spiritual dimension of all students’ lives, reach out in service to the world, and address spiritual issues of concern to the campus community.

The Office of Spiritual and Religious Life, located in Reis Hall, serves the spiritual and pastoral needs of the Allegheny community. As a participant in the intellectual life of the College, Spiritual and Religious Life encourages all members of the campus community to explore the integral relationship between faith and learning. The Office supports students of any faith, or of none, in exploring questions of meaning and purpose, as they develop in mind, body, and spirit.

Allegheny College offers students a variety of opportunities to express religious faith and commitment, and to explore the spiritual dimension of their lives. Allegheny has an historic relationship with the United Methodist Church but remains nonsectarian in practice and outlook. The Office of Spiritual and Religious Life coordinates a variety of activities, bringing together students of different beliefs to learn from each other and express common concerns.

Student religious groups provide opportunities for fellowship and outreach. Each Sunday of the academic year, an Ecumenical Chapel service and a Roman Catholic Mass are celebrated in Ford Memorial Chapel, with students playing a central role. Major Jewish holy days are observed and monthly Shabbat services are offered on campus as well. The Religious Life staff also works with students who are Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, or other religions, to accommodate their faith and practice, and to increase awareness of religious traditions that are part of the Allegheny community.

The College Chaplain is available to the campus community for spiritual guidance, pastoral counseling, and programming related to religious and spiritual life in the midst of academe. The Chaplain also works to nurture the relationship between Allegheny and the United Methodist Church. Students considering church-related vocations are invited to make use of the collection of seminary and graduate school catalogues maintained in the office.