Spiritual Dimensions
Spirituality is a generic term related to the human quest for relationship and meaning, typically within a larger reality which both transcends and incorporates the individual. Spirituality of UWA staff and students is expressed in a wide range of ways, which includes, but is not limited to religious traditions and groups operating on campus and in University residential colleges. Supporting the spirituality of people at UWA is harmonious with UWA’s founding motto to “Seek Wisdom”; the values of encouraging open exchange of ideas and thought, and fostering openness, honesty, mutual understanding, fairness, trust, and responsibility in social, moral and academic matters. The University is committed to supporting students and staff with a diversity of cultural, religious and non religious backgrounds and promotes interfaith conversation and collaboration wherever possible. Groups and services accessed through this site may be of help if you are wanting to: • be part of a group of people who are supporting one another in a spiritual/religious journey • reflect on life direction and choices • learn how to read and discuss sacred texts • learn how to worship, pray or meditate • talk about a spiritual experience you have had • ask questions about spirituality/religion The University acknowledges that it is situated on Nyoongar land and that the Nyoongar people remain the spiritual and cultural custodians of their land and continue to uphold their values, languages, beliefs and knowledge. The Spiritual Dimensions web site is coordinated by the chaplains who are based in Student Services. As well as having leadership responsibilities within their own faith traditions, the chaplains are committed to supporting the multi-faith ethos of UWA and therefore helping staff and students to connect with services which are most appropriate to individual needs. A brief description of faith groups which are active on campus is given below, together with links for obtaining further information. |
1. EVENTS
2. FACILITIES
Chapel and Meeting Room
Religious groups who wish to meet on a regular basis may make bookings for either of these rooms (subject to availability) by contacting Reception in Student Services on 6488 2423. When the chapel is not being used by a group, students and staff are most welcome to go there for quiet prayer/meditation. Muslim Masjid
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5. RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL GROUPS ON CAMPUSBAHAI
BUDDISM
CHRISTIANITYThe Anglican ChaplainThe Anglican Chaplaincy at UWA offers a general pastoral service to all students and staff of UWA as well as specific support to the Anglican community based at St. George’s College We have two part time chaplains. Michael Wood is based in Student Services for three days a week and Richard Pengelley lives and works at St. George’s College. The Catholic ChaplainThe Catholic Chaplain is Rev Dr. Armando Carandang. Fr Armando’s mission in UWA is TO SERVE… the pastoral, sacramental, religious educational needs of Catholic students and staff. Christian Groups and ServicesFor information on other Christian Groups - Click here |
INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIAN BELIEFSAustralia has two distinct Indigenous peoples: Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Aboriginal peoples are the oldest living culture on earth and comprise some 250 separate language groups, with their own law, knowledge and belief systems, often collectively referred to as the Dreaming. The Dreaming is an English word that is often misinterpreted to indicate that Aboriginal belief systems are not real, but imagined and therefore many Aboriginal groups or ‘nations’ prefer to use their own particular language name for the Dreaming and the stories, song, dance and ceremonies within it. Aboriginal people see themselves as part of the natural or physical world, and this everyday realm is also interconnected to, and continuous with the spiritual world; past, present and future all exist in the same time and space. For Aboriginal people the land is our mother, everything is alive and everything is related, law is not man made but given to us and we have responsibility to uphold this, care for each other and the earth. Aboriginal peoples talk about spirituality rather than religion.
Spirituality is expressed differently between Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders. Torres Strait Islanders spirituality comes from stories of the ‘Tagai’. Torres Strait Islander communities celebrate Coming of the Light Festival (1 July) which is a religious celebration. JUDAISMThe Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) is an international organization established in 1946 at Sydney University, and operates across campuses in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and New Zealand. As an affiliate of the World Union of Jewish Students, AUJS provides educational and social events for Jewish and non-Jewish students on campuses in Australia and New Zealand. It's four pillars, Judaism, activism, Zionism and pluralism, encompass AUJS' goal to foster a sense of Jewish identity on campus, whilst encouraging support and education about the State of Israel and allowing students to express a wide range of political and religious viewpoints. AUJS WA hosts a number of important annual events on and off campus, such as Holocaust Awareness Week and Political Training Seminar in semester one and Israel Week in semester two. ISLAMCentre for Muslim States and Societies provides information, support, prayer, education and social events for Muslim students on campus. A prayer room is located at the Eastern End of Winthrop hall, under the archway.
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This page is your gateway to a range of services and groups which support the spiritual life of students and staff at the University of Western Australia.