Blast from the Past: Religious diversity thrives

Published in The Heights on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002

The question doesn't appear on Boston College's application. For many students, the last time they were formally asked was on the SAT. If they chose to fill in a bubble, their answer had no bearing on their acceptance to this institution, but it may have affected their experiences to this point here at BC. The question, "How do you characterize your religion?" is one that, even at BC, evokes answers from all areas of the religious spectrum.

BC has prided its Catholic, Jesuit identity as one of its most important and fundamental elements, and for good reason. As one of the oldest Catholic universities in the country and home to the largest Jesuit population in the world, BC has Catholic views that are respected far beyond Boston.

But Catholicism isn't the only religion practiced here. Students and faculty come from many religious backgrounds. At a school lauded for its distinctly Catholic character and resources, what is the level of religious support for the non-Catholic members of the BC community?

The concept of religious tolerance wasn't even addressed at BC until fairly recently. The first official notice of non-discrimination appeared in BC's Fact Book in the academic year of 1992-1993, and religion appeared on the list. The previous year's Mission Statement simply read, "Boston College welcomes all persons, regardless of race, creed, color, sex, or handicap." This is not to say that BC was unwelcoming of non-Catholics as late in its history as 1992, but that the issue had never been specifically addressed.

"Religious tolerance has always been a cornerstone at this institution," said University Spokesperson Jack Dunn. As to why BC had never articulated this before, Dunn speculated, "Maybe it's something they felt didn't need to be said."

Regardless, BC's religious dynamic has changed from nearly all Catholic in its not-so-recent history to a much more diverse population. Campus Ministry estimates that approximately 65 percent of BC's students are Catholic, leaving over a third of the student body in the "other" category. With that shift, BC has had to widen both its religious curriculum and mindset in order to challenge and cultivate everyone's spirituality.

"We want to respect different religious groups. I think that's part of our tradition," said Rev. Jim Erps, S.J., director of Campus Ministry. Erps cites the numerous non-Catholic student groups that have shown increasing activity and enthusiasm, a list that includes groups from the Asian Christian Fellowship to the Muslim Student Association."There has been an opening of the dialogue as to what it means to be an inclusive community, and that's a positive step," says Rev. Howard McLendon, adviser to the Black Campus Ministry. "But I also feel there's a need to further the dialogue, to reach for a resolution as to what it means to be inclusive."

McLendon notes that there is still more that can be done, and that the growing non-Catholic bodies at BC deserve to be met not only with toleration, but with comprehensive appreciation.

One campus group that has seen such growth is Hillel, BC's chapter of the national Jewish student organization.

"Our number is growing. … We've grown since I've been here," says Brian Lerman, president of BC Hillel and BC '03. While Lerman can't say with certainty the number of Jewish students in attendance here (exact figures aren't available for any religion, BC can only estimate), he guesses the number to be somewhere between 150 and 200 undergraduates. In order to join Hillel, students must identify themselves as Jewish.

As to the comfort level of a Jewish student at a Catholic University, Lerman said he has never been made to feel like a member of any minority. He notes that his most uncomfortable moment here was actually during the Mass at his freshman orientation. Beyond that, he said, BC has made sure to address concerns for Hillel and the Jewish community. "Overall, [BC] has been such a warm place," Lerman says. "The administration has been so supportive, from Campus Ministry to Student Affairs. They've welcomed our beliefs with open arms."

Other non-Catholic groups have a slightly different perspective. "I think it's been kind of a struggle to get the Christian organizations to work together," says Tegan Pollock, a leader of Intervarsity, a non-denominational Christian group and BC '03. Pollock, who has been involved with Intervarsity since her freshman year, has watched the group grow in both strength and number (up to 100 now participate in small weekly meetings and larger group events), but is still trying to get the University to help with publicity and exposure.

Pollock said that people need to realize that all forms of Christianity are welcome in the program, regardless of denomination. "The struggle is getting everyone to realize that we're all Christian. We all worship the same God … we're all in this together."

Faculty members of different religions have also found a place at BC, and many use their unique perspectives to give students a wider perception of what it means to be religious.

"I think that one becomes conscious of the Catholic identity of the university," says Rabbi Ruth Langer, a professor in the theology department and associate director of the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning.

Langer contends that BC has been able to maintain a constant focus on the larger scope of religion. "It creates a place in secular America where religion is valued," Langer says. "It makes it easier for me to be religious."

"I found from the very beginning [that BC is] very supportive and open," says Qamar-Ul Huda, professor of Islamic Studies in the theology department and adviser to the Muslim Student Association. Huda also said that since the events of Sept. 11, the desire to understand the Muslim religion has grown, adding to its acceptance. "I think there's a greater interest in studying Islam - what's special, what's unique," Huda says. "The demand is unbelievable here on campus, which is nice to know."