The Religions and Cultures Club Constitution
Mission Statement:
The Religions and Cultures Club seeks to engage in open and respectful dialogue about the ideas and beliefs of different religious traditions, teachings and practices. Our club members recognize the importance of how religious beliefs are lived in different cultural contexts and how the interplay of religion and culture relate to social and political issues. We hope to bring about an increased awareness and sensitivity to the various religious cultures of the world through visual media, group discussions, guest speakers and textual studies.
Rationale for Formulation:
We live in a pluralistic and multicultural society, and this diversity of belief and culture is also reflected in the University environment. The Religions and Cultures Club is committed to finding “unity in diversity” and we feel that tolerance begins with understanding and education. Our club promotes awareness, respect and tolerance of different religious views and beliefs.
We also feel that knowing more about the world’s religious traditions allows us to focus on each traditions’ ideas of what is good, and how to treat other human beings with compassion. The social and political teachings present in all world religions can provide us with the basis for thinking about ethical and social justice issues in the world today.
Qualifications for Membership:
The Religions and Cultures Club does not discriminate against any religious group. The club is not affiliated with any single religion; the focus of our group is academic and cultural as we discuss and engage the intellectual ideas of different religions. The Club is open to everyone who is interested in religion and culture and enjoys sharing ideas and discussing them openly and respectfully.
Club members for the 2006/2007 School year reached over 60 members- becoming the largest Club!