The University is known for many things: football, parties and outspoken liberalism. But one aspect of life near campus that may go a little more unnoticed is the number and variety of religious groups that serve students, faculty and the community.
The University is home to dozens of religious groups that represent many different beliefs, teachings and ways of life. Although some are larger and more established than others, each group plays an integral part in the University’s ever-growing faith community.
Oregon Hillel
The privately-funded Oregon Hillel has been on campus since the mid-80s, but it became more popular in 1993, when the Hillel moved into its current house on 10th and Hilyard Street. Since its conception, the Oregon Hillel “has been enjoying a lot of support and active participation from Jewish students,” said Hal Applebaum, the Hillel’s executive director.
The Oregon Hillel, which is one of more than 500 on-campus programs overseen by the worldwide Hillel program, has around 600 Jewish students on its mailing list and sees almost 300 of those people walk through the Hillel’s door every term, Applebaum said.
Throughout the year, the Hillel holds organized celebrations of Jewish holidays and community service events to help the homeless and elderly Jewish communities of Eugene. The Hillel also offers some Jewish students the opportunity to go on one of its annual trips to Israel.
“We are trying to increase social awareness,” Applebaum said. “There is a Jewish saying: ‘Tikkun olam.’ It means ‘repairing the world.’ One of our goals is to make repairing the world one of the foremost action items on our agenda.”
Wesley Foundation Campus Ministry
The Wesley Foundation United Methodist Campus Ministry is home to an extremely diverse group of members who come from all races, religions and sexual orientations, said Campus Pastor Warren Light. With a history that spans almost half a century, the Wesley Foundation – under the guidance of the newly-appointed Light – prides itself on its tolerance of all people regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof.
“I want to have a home for all people,” Light said. “I want to make a place where students can really feel comfortable. I want the Wesley Foundation to be a place for people to share their feelings and not feel as though someone is standing over their shoulder criticizing them.”
With the Wesley Foundation’s “open hearts, open minds, open doors” policy, any student of any faith can enjoy a free meal and thoughtful discussion every Wednesday night at the Ministry’s “Meals and Meanings” get-togethers. The Wesley Foundation also rents out its building to many non-profit organizations, student groups and individuals who need space to meet.
Over all, Light stressed his desire to create an open and safe community for all University students and faculty members.
“We’re not here to make money and we’re not here to change people into true believers of one thing,” Light said. “We want this place to be an active, lively place where people can come and exchange ideas. We all have something to learn from each other.”
Campus Crusade for Christ
The Eugene Campus Crusade for Christ, CCC, is starting off the school year by welcoming University students with free clothes hangers and an invitation to investigate the claims of Jesus, said Mike Alverts, campus director of the Eugene chapter.
Between 50 and 100 University students are in a constant relationship with the organization, which has been in existence since the late 50s, and is funded by individuals, businesses and churches, according to Alverts.
While in college, “seventy percent of students lose their faith in religion,” Alverts said, adding that Campus Crusade isn’t here to shove anything down peoples’ throats, but rather they are reaching out to the students who are interested in becoming involved with their organization.
According to the CCC University Web site, the organization “is designed to be a spiritual resource to aid in developing college students in their personal lives, evangelism and discipleship.”
The Christian group provides Bible studies, educational resources and social opportunities for students to meet and discuss their faith, Alverts said.
Additionally, the organization is divided into student movements. The organization’s Web site lists the separate ministries as fraternity and sorority students, Asian American students and foreign exchange students.
“We believe people are most comfortable with in their own cultural affinity,” Alverts said. “As the world grows more diverse we are reaching out to make people feel more comfortable.”
Throughout the fall term the Eugene CCC will be handing out 800 laundry bags for free, organizing a rafting trip and participating in pre-game tailgating.
While only a few religious organizations were represented in this article, students can find more information on these or other groups at www.uoregon.edu/~omas/links.htm.
Contact the people, culture and faith reporters at [email protected] or [email protected]