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IFC Minutes for September 20, 2005
In Attendance: Dr. Jeffrey Lidke, Dr. Anne Lewinson, Dr. Harvey Hill, Dr. Scott Colley, Provost Tom Dasher, Dr. Jim Watkins, Dr. Michael Bailey, Dale McConkey, Zac Greene, Rob Bice, Travis Miller, Judy Thompson, Kathleen McMahan, Brent Simeneoux
I. Jeffrey opened the floor to a discussion of the Bylaws and the Mission for the Interfaith Council.
A. Harvey presented the discussion on the IFC’s purpose from last month’s meeting. He personally felt that the Wicca service fell under the purpose of the IFC, but was not a pressing issue. He pointed to Charge B of the Mission for textual support.
1. Jeffrey pointed to Charge D as well. He emphasized the IFC’s mission of providing a worship place for minority religions on campus.
2. Jeff also explained that New Thought and Navaratri will be explanatory services/practices, in response to last April when the IFC decided to do more presentations of this type.
3. Provost Tom Dasher explained that the issue is: how do we become comfortable with new faiths on campus? Tom suggested introducing Berry to the thoughts and ideas before having a participatory service
4. Jeff agreed and directed the Council to the panel on Oct. 31 that will be organized by Harvey.
5. Zac stated that based on past discussion, part of the reason for the canceling of the Wicca service was because students were not familiar with the religion. But he pointed out that this has never been an obstacle for the IFC in the past.
- Michael pointed out that consistency is not necessary, and neither is it necessary to provoke students
B. Harvey posed the question: Do programs like the Wicca service fall under the bylaws and mission of the IFC?
1. In response to questions of the purpose of the worship space and the endorsing of off-campus speakers, Hill stated that it was not our job to endorse these speakers, but the center is not denied to any group. Questions to be considered include whether or not this is good for the students, and if not, what is good enough?
2. Jeff stated that he understood the center to be both a worship and a lecture space, emphasizing its importance as a place for many religions to worship.
3. Anne stated that if we are bringing together education and practice, a Wicca service (for example) should try to ignite curiosity instead of a refusal to listen.
C. Jeff proposed that Dee Winters come to the November meeting and explain her intentions for the service, so that everyone can be on the same page.
1. Harvey suggested waiting and seeing how the panel turns out.
2. Jeff agreed to this, and will email Winters after the panel presentation in October.
D. The IFC Bylaws and Mission were unanimously approved as being an accurate statement of what the IFC is called to do.
II. Minutes were unanimously approved.
III. Jeffrey reminded everyone of the upcoming events for IFC.
1. “Soto Zen Meditation Class” begins on September 20th and will continue through the semester.
2. “New Thought” presentation on Sept. 21st at 5pm.
3. “Navaratri Program” will be October 12th at 5 pm in the IFC.
4. “Halloween Program” will be Oct. 31st at noon in Evans Auditorium
5. Anne suggested a talk about Judaism to follow Yam Kippur, possibly mid-October.
IV. Zac proposed the idea for an Interfaith Council Journal
A. The journal would be posted monthly online and twice a year in hardcopy form
B. It would include both academic and personal perspectives from students, faculty, and staff.
C. Jim suggested publishing it first online before attempting to create a full-fledged journal.
D. Steve will write the first journal and was called to set the standards for what the journal should entail.
V. Spring Programming
A. Jeff stated that there is $1400 left for the programs in the Spring. Our goal should be to create a schedule by November.
B. Anyone with ideas on panels or services should contact Jeff.
VI. The meeting was adjourned with a brief meditation at 5:00pm.
The next meeting will be held on October 18th.