Office of Religious Life Reaches Out to Muslim Students
By: Jae Denson
Issue date: 4/18/05 Section: Student Life
- Page 1 of 1
The Office of Religious Life is seeking to improve relations with the Muslim community at Clark Atlanta University by getting Muslim students more involved on campus.
According to Rev. Herbert Marbury, the Chaplain at CAU, the Muslim community has been targeted because of the current lack of activities designed for students of the Muslim faith.
"I think it's a good idea [Office of Religious Life targeting Muslim students] because students who want to engulf in their religion can do so on campus rather than searching for a place in Atlanta," said junior Liz Jacobs.
Although Muslim relations in the past have not been the primary focus of religious life on campus, Rev. Marbury feels it is his job to serve the entire campus community, not just Christians.
"Every religious preference needs to feel apart of this campus," Rev. Marbury said.
Muslim students currently unify through the Muslim Student Association (MSA) with chapters chartered at Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse and Spelman. This close-knit community of students and faculty from the Atlanta University Center meet weekly for JUMUAH, a time of fellowship and sacred prayer.
Students who attend MSA meetings regularly and are active members applaud this effort by CAU and look forward to the provisions.
"This is a great event taking place because I feel the Office of Religious Life should be the link between students and whatever spiritual needs may exist," said MSA member and Spelman College student Sadiyah Peprah.
Peprah said that not having a designated place on campus to assemble regularly restricts common practices of the Muslim faith.
In the near future, the Muslim community can look forward to various activities and a designated room strictly for prayers. These efforts will all serve as vehicles to strengthen and cultivate relationships between the Muslim community and the Office of Religious Life.
"We would like to ultimately establish a feeling of comfort among students who currently believe this familiarity is non existent," Rev. Marbury said.
For more information on religious activities contact the Office of Religious Life at 404-880-6119 or contact the Muslim Student Association at MSA_AUC@yahoo.com.
According to Rev. Herbert Marbury, the Chaplain at CAU, the Muslim community has been targeted because of the current lack of activities designed for students of the Muslim faith.
"I think it's a good idea [Office of Religious Life targeting Muslim students] because students who want to engulf in their religion can do so on campus rather than searching for a place in Atlanta," said junior Liz Jacobs.
Although Muslim relations in the past have not been the primary focus of religious life on campus, Rev. Marbury feels it is his job to serve the entire campus community, not just Christians.
"Every religious preference needs to feel apart of this campus," Rev. Marbury said.
Muslim students currently unify through the Muslim Student Association (MSA) with chapters chartered at Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse and Spelman. This close-knit community of students and faculty from the Atlanta University Center meet weekly for JUMUAH, a time of fellowship and sacred prayer.
Students who attend MSA meetings regularly and are active members applaud this effort by CAU and look forward to the provisions.
"This is a great event taking place because I feel the Office of Religious Life should be the link between students and whatever spiritual needs may exist," said MSA member and Spelman College student Sadiyah Peprah.
Peprah said that not having a designated place on campus to assemble regularly restricts common practices of the Muslim faith.
In the near future, the Muslim community can look forward to various activities and a designated room strictly for prayers. These efforts will all serve as vehicles to strengthen and cultivate relationships between the Muslim community and the Office of Religious Life.
"We would like to ultimately establish a feeling of comfort among students who currently believe this familiarity is non existent," Rev. Marbury said.
For more information on religious activities contact the Office of Religious Life at 404-880-6119 or contact the Muslim Student Association at MSA_AUC@yahoo.com.
