Resources
The Multi-faith and Spirituality Centre offers resouces to support spiritual exploration, interfaith dialogue, and inclusive community engagement. We encourage respectful curiosity and fostering a welcoming environment for all beliefs and identities.
Religious observances
Concordia has a policy for students on the accomodation of religious observances.
If you have or might have a conflict between a religious observance and an academic requirement, the policy describes how to make a request for an accomodation and important deadlines.
If your religious observance conflicts with centrally-scheduled final exams, please advise the Exams Office prior to the deadline to report a conflict each term.
Tips for multi-faith engagement
You're likely to work, study or live with people of different worldviews and identities, whether religious, spiritual or secular. Below are some tips for respectful and inclusive engagement across difference beliefs and practices.
Engaging in respectful dialogue
It’s ok to ask! But…
- Be respectful. Avoid making someone have to be a teacher for their own entire tradition or culture.
- Ask people about their personal practices rather than their personal beliefs. Not all people within a religious or spiritual community practice in the same way.
- Use “I” statements. Start by talking about yourself/your own tradition.
Approach every conversation with a lens of curiosity: genuine respectful curiosity will be acceptable to many, while demanding people defend their faith will be offensive to most.
It’s ok to make mistakes. Let others know that they can tell you if something you say might be incorrect or offensive.
Use inclusive language for those who do not identify with a particular faith tradition or identify as atheist or agnostic.
Whenever possible, make events accessible and inclusive for all potential participants.
Some things to consider:
- Religious Holidays (check out our calendar)
- Prayer times or patterns of observances (e.g. Friday prayers for Muslims, Sabbath/sundown for Jews)
- Physical contact between genders
- Dietary needs such as Kosher, Halal, vegetarian, vegan etc.
What will you do to further your knowledge?
Take the time to learn something about a tradition different from your own. You don’t need to be an expert, so find opportunities to learn or ask an expert!
Contact us anytime for advice from our staff or the multi-faith network: mfsc@concordia.ca
Exploring spirituality safely
University is a wonderful time to explore your beliefs, values and worldview. A campus like Concordia's offers the opportunity to meet people from a wide variety of backgrounds, to learn about their worldviews, and grow together.
You may choose to join a religious or spiritual community on campus or in the broader Montreal area. This can be a fantastic way to learn, grow and find support during your studies. If you are looking to connect with a community, the team at MfSC (Multi-faith and Spirituality Centre) can help you make those links.
Choosing a supportive faith or spiritual group
When choosing to join a group - religious, spiritual or other - look for one that:
- Encourages and respects relationships with family, friends and other people outside the group
- Helps you through some of life's inevitable crises
- Invites questions and welcomes a critical approach to the group, its beliefs and practices
- Encourages you to be a responsible and contributing member of society, inlcuding supporting your commitments outside the group
Adapted with permission from the University of Toronto Multi-Faith Centre
How to spot high-pressure recruitment groups
While many groups can be a supportive place to learn and grow, some groups use high-pressure tactics to recruit and might make you feel uncomfortable. High-pressure groups might:
- Isolate you from family, friends and other parts of your life, including school and work
- Be deceptive or manipulative, pressure you or refuse to take no for an answer. This might mean offering instant friendship and intimacy
- Seek to control all or many aspects of your life, including time, money, relationships, or make unrealistic demands on your time to the point that you are not able to get enough sleep or nourishmnet
- Hold an absolute worldview that you are expected to accept completely, discourage critical thinking or questions and denigrate those with different views
- Expect obedience to a leader, who may be seen as particularly special or inspired
Summarized from Rodriguez-Carballeira et al., 2015
Reaching out
To talk more about issues related to religion or spirituality, to connect wiht a faith community, for a listening ear or for spiritual support, contact MfSC:
514 848-2424, ext. 3593
Are you in immediate danger?
- On campus, contact Campus Safety and Prevention Services at 514-848-3717 - option 1
- Off campus, call 911 or contact the police
Reporting harassment and discrimination
If you feel that a member of the Concordia community has engaged in harassment, discrimination, physical violence or threats*, visit the Office of Rights and Responsibilities or contact at:
- rights@concordia.ca
- 514-848-2424, ext. 8659
For sexual violence or misconduct complaints, visit the Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC) website for resources.
