Dear Beloved Dartmouth College Community,
We write to you today as members of the Tucker Center’s United Campus Ministries (UCM), joining our voices with those of the deans in a shared commitment to nurturing understanding within our community, both for our campus society and as a small but significant model of fostering peace in the world.
Recently, we have watched with deep sorrow as violence has permeated our streets, even here in the United States. The heartbreaking stories of Wadea Al Fayoume, a 6-year-old Palestinian American killed in Illinois, and Paul Kessler, a 69-year-old Jewish American killed in California, starkly shake us with the senseless losses that hatred can bring about. We grieve alongside all those who mourn.
As UCM ministers, we strive to build bridges of understanding among diverse faith traditions. We meet monthly at the Tucker Center or at our various places of worship to share perspectives. We participate in the Tucker Center’s impressive array of interfaith opportunities for students. These interactions allow us to learn from one another, creating bonds of friendship that transcend religious differences.
Our work is anchored in the common principles that thread through our diverse religious traditions: the inherent dignity of humankind, the transformative benefits of community, and the relentless pursuit of peace. These principles guide us in all we do and are the foundation from which we hope to learn with and contribute to our Dartmouth community.
As we navigate these challenging times, we are committed to enhancing the practical application of our work. We seek ways to extend the reach of our initiatives to more students, faculty, and staff, demonstrating the power of unity in diversity.
We are proud that on this campus this very weekend, as any other, any Muslim student may enjoy Shabbat Dinner at Hillel, a Jewish student can attend a service at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, and a Christian student can participate in the Friday Jumma prayers with Al-Nur’s Muslim Student Association. These are, of course, just examples. Any student is also welcome to attend Hindu Puja or Buddhist meditations. Such interfaith sharing exemplifies the harmony we strive to cultivate.
We invite you to join us in breaking down barriers and building connections. Let us remember the power of dialogue, understanding, and compassion. Let us stand together, honoring our unique wisdom traditions while celebrating our shared commitment to unity in peace.
To learn more about our interfaith work, or your own tradition, contact any one of us below. We are here for you.
With hope and blessings, United Campus Ministers:
Rachel Dean, Agape Intervarsity at Dartmouth
Rev. Mandy Lape-Freeberg and Rev. Rob Grabill
Alpha Omega Student Group/Church of Christ at Dartmouth College, UCC
Fr. Timothy Danaher and Corinne Murphy, Aquinas House Catholic Student Center
Rabbi Moshe and Chani Gray, Chabad at Dartmouth
David McDowell, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Student Association
Ruth and Jerry Swift, CRU Christian Fellowship
The Rev. Dr. Guy Collins and the Rev. Christopher Gregorio
Episcopal Campus Ministry & St. Thomas Episcopal Church/Edgerton House
Rabbi Seth Linfield and Samantha Cohen, Hillel at Dartmouth
Denise and Kent Dahlberg, Integrare — ABS (Athletes Bible Study)
Professor Soyoung Suh, Logos Community at Dartmouth
Pastor Kyle Seibert, Our Savior Lutheran Church and Campus Ministry
Professor Prasad Jayanti, Shanti-Hindu Student Group
Gendo Allyn Field, Zen Buddhist Practice Group
The Rev. Dr. Nancy A.G. Vogele ’85, College Chaplain, Tucker Center
Abdul Rahman Latif, Al-Nur, Muslim Chaplain, Tucker Center
Ellie Anders Thompson, Multifaith Advisor, Tucker Center