Sharing Our Stories A Retreat Model for Enhancing Interfaith Literacy and Cultivating Connection, Curiosity, and Courage

Abstract

College and university chaplains are often called upon to create spaces for intense and substantive conversations about personal values, spiritual and religious beliefs, and fundamental matters relating to participants’ core identities. In these spaces, interfaith learning and civil discourse thrive. A weekend retreat for students from diverse spiritual and religious backgrounds that is centered around sharing personal narratives is an effective and enjoyable way to create such a space because it provides unparalleled opportunities for meaningful relationship development; the cultivation of resilience and leadership skills; interfaith engagement, honest inquiry, and interreligious learning; and self-reflection, self-discovery, and personal spiritual growth.