Although our campus may not seem like the poster child for religious diversity and cross-cultural learning, students, faculty and members of the community are benefitting from the UV Interfaith Student Association.
Acceptance and understanding is what UVU is all about — enter the ISA. No matter what your religion or personal beliefs may be, you belong in the UV Interfaith Student Association. There are at least 21 different religions throughout Utah County, and among these 21, there are 983 different congregations. The ISA is a group of students dedicated to integrating individuals from all of these groups.
The club’s first event, a panel discussion on Protestantism, was held last Wednesday and brought the Reverend Jessica Hatch from Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church in Provo and Dean Jackson, minister of the Provo Rock Canyon Church to UVU.
“The ISA continues to provide an environment of acceptance and learning for people of all backgrounds,” said Linda P. Walton, associate club advisor. “What we do is give people experiences or knowledge that they might not have had otherwise. Plus we like to have fun; we’re a lot more than just a discussion group.”
The club is led by president Mike Fisher, and along with a board of directors. Current members include individuals from varying religious and cultural backgrounds. Activities planned for the rest of the semester include several more lunchtime discussions, trips to local religious centers and an open house showcasing different religious texts happening later next month.
To learn more about the club and the activities offered, visit the ISA’s website at www.UtahValleyInterFaith.org or visit the club’s Facebook group page by searching for Utah Valley Interfaith.
