Religious and Spiritual Life
As an institution related to the United Methodist Church, Wofford seeks to create a campus atmosphere congenial to spiritual development and social justice. The Methodist heritage fosters on the campus an appreciation of many faiths and a free exchange of ideas. Religious and spiritual life activities are under the direction of the Chaplain, who also serves as the Director of Interfaith Programs. These activities include regular services of worship and weekly celebrations of Holy Communion.
Religious groups from several traditions, including Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Christian (Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox) have regular meetings and periodic lectures and forums. Professionally trained and credentialed leaders serve as campus ministers for these groups. Student-organized religious and spiritual groups also function on campus.
Para-church groups have staff and offer activities on campus and in the community. Convocations dealing with issues of religion, spirituality and ethics are made available to the campus community.
The Halligan Center for Religious & Spiritual Life
The Halligan Center for Religious & Spiritual Life is staffed by a Director of the Center and houses the Office of the Chaplain and the Director of Interfaith Programs. The Halligan Center serves as:
- The coordinating home for the diverse religious observance on the Wofford campus,
- A well-being resource for students, staff and faculty,
- Home to Wofford's expanding interfaith program, and
- Home to our engagement, from a faith perspective, of issues in the world today.
Whether one is wrestling with big questions or searching for a community of faith, attempting to discern talents, passions and strengths while deciding what to do in life, or ready to commit to direct service and action, the Halligan Center is a valuable resource of encouragement, contemplation and connection for the Wofford community.
The Halligan Center offers a variety of worship experiences on campus. Seasonal and traditional services of worship are held on selected days. Weekly meditation times are offered. Numerous study and discussion groups occur on campus, and travel and training travel opportunities offered. Listings are available outside the Halligan Center and by social media. In addition, the Halligan Center offers assistance to students of any faith who wish to find a local place of worship.
The College's Religious & Spiritual Life Committee offers advice and support and assists with policy making and advocacy around religious and spiritual life on the campus.
Convocations dealing with issues of religion, spirituality and ethics are offered frequently and are open to the campus community.
Interfaith Programs
One of Wofford’s signature efforts is around interfaith programming. Students from across a variety of religious and spiritual and secular worldviews come together to form friendships, learn from each other, and serve the community. The ability to function positively across lines of difference while being respectful is a critical need in today’s world.
Wofford has consistently received national recognition for its leadership in Interfaith community service. Two Interfaith Fellows (students) lead the campus Interfaith Youth Core and the Better Together campaign.
Interfaith Programs at Wofford occur within both academic and co-curricular contexts. Faculty members offer courses on interfaith engagement. Monthly interfaith activities and events are offered, as are interfaith training and travel opportunities. Dr. Ron Robinson, Perkins-Prothro Chaplain & Professor of Religion, is the Director of Interfaith Programs.
