On Oct. 30, 2014, the Chaplain’s Council of Hendricks Chapel made a commitment to the students faculty and staff of Syracuse University in an editorial entitled “Chaplains of Hendricks Chapel respond to Salaita lecture.”  The chaplains pledged to create a series of constructive dialogues, in a safe and productive environments, that encouraged involvement from a series of diverse participants.  Fulfilling this commitment started with a very successful conversation between Muslim and Jewish students at the Alabrandi Catholic Center on Nov. 2. We believe that we are making a difference in our campus community, and need your help and participation as we move forward.

This semester, the Chaplain’s Council is moving forward with a series called the “Why is it so difficult to talk about…” conversations.  The chaplains designed these conversations as a mechanism for students, faculty and staff of faith, and no faith, to build relationships through mutual respect and honest conversation on difficult topics.  Monthly conversations will start on Wednesday, Feb. 4, in the Noble room of Hendricks Chapel at 6 p.m.  The topic of conversation will be marriage equality.  All students are welcome to attend.  A free vegetarian dinner will be served.  More information is available on Facebook.  Search ” Why is it so hard to talk about … marriage equality?” to learn more.

Future conversations will be announced for March and April.  These conversations will include a follow-up dialogue for the Muslim and Jewish students and a conversation about privilege and race.  More information will be provided soon about each of these events.

Come be a participant in our series.  Build a meaningful relationship with people that may not have the same beliefs or backgrounds as you.  Make the world a better place one conversation at a time.

Signed,
The Hendricks Chapel Chaplains Council