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Interfaith Week

Sunday, Nov. 10 - Friday, Nov. 15

Interfaith Week at the George Washington University will feature events encompassing a range of organized religions and spirituality practices—an aim to broaden an understanding of, and initiate conversations about, the different ways the community can seek new perspectives and form a greater awareness of the rich religious, secular, and spiritual diversity of the GW community.

NOTE: Some events require registration in advance, which is noted on the schedule.

Sunday, November 10

Sunday Worship Services

National Cathedral | 11:15 am

National Presbyterian | 2nd Sunday Sandwich Making following the 11 am Service

DC Sikh Diwan and Langar Seva | 12 noon 

Monday, November 11

Faith Zone Training Workshop
12 pm-1:30 pm | Continental Ballroom, USC
REGISTRATION REQUIRED - LUNCH PROVIDED
Partner/Speaker(s)/Facilitator Information: Melissa Carter, Associate Director, Global Spiritual Life, and Robert Taylor Jr. Assistant Director, MindfulNYU, Global Spiritual Life

Faith Zone is a training that provides an overview of religious literacy and aims to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills to foster an inclusive and respectful campus environment through enhanced understanding of various religious traditions and practices. A few topics to be covered will include: Introduction to religious literacy; Understanding religious, spiritual, secular diversity; Practical strategies for promoting religious inclusion; Campus & community resources. This workshop is designed for all members of the GW community (faculty, staff, and students are welcome!) who are interested in promoting religious pluralism.

Sacred Expressions: Philosophy, Paths, and Prayer in the Hindu Faith
2 pm-3:30 pm | Room 310, USC
Partner/Speaker(s)/Facilitator Information: Chinmaya Mission Washington Regional Center, Richa Agarwala

Join us for a brief presentation on the Philosophy and Paths in Hindu faith followed by a meaningful experience of Puja and Aarti, sacred prayer rituals in the Hindu faith, as we explore the deep connections between cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. This event offers participants an opportunity to gain an understanding of how divinity is described, honored, worshiped, and lived within the Hindu tradition. Through music, prayer, and ritual, attendees will learn how these religious expressions reflect the essence of Hindu spirituality and divinity.

In addition to the Puja and Aarti prayer service, we invite you to participate in an interactive Q&A session, fostering dialogue that promotes understanding and strengthens interfaith community relationships. Whether you are familiar with Hindu practices or are curious to learn more, this event is a space for open engagement and religious literacy.

Interfaith Community Event: GW Women's Basketball vs. Virginia University of Lynchburg
6 pm | Smith Center, 600 22nd St NW

This is more than just a game—it's a chance to come together across religious, spiritual, secular diversity in our community, celebrating both athletic excellence and the unity that sports inspire. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the game, we invite you to experience the energy of GW’s women's basketball team, connect with friends old and new, and share in the excitement that brings us all together across our religious diversity. The game begins at 6 pm, so show up early, wear your finest GW spirit gear, and join us for an unforgettable night of basketball and community building.

Paint N' Sip
6 pm | 1st floor, USC
LIMITED CAPACITY, REGISTRATION REQUIRED!
Join the Office of Student Life and Campus Recreation for a night of winding down and relaxation at our Paint N' Sip event as part of Interfaith Week! We will begin the night with a guided meditation to center and ground ourselves. After that, you will have the option to either paint a design led by an art therapist or grab your own canvas and paints and do whatever feels right to you! If you are interested in the guided painted session, sign up on our Google Form to register. We only have 50 spots so register soon! Everyone else is welcome to join for free painting. We'll be providing delicious mocktails, refreshing snacks, and everything you need to paint! 

Tuesday, November 12

Center for Interfaith & Spiritual Life Open House
9 am-4 pm | Center for Interfaith and Spiritual Life Office, USC - Lower Level 02
Partner/Speaker(s)/Facilitator Information: University Chaplain Kristen Glass Perez, Director Simran Kaur-Colbert

We invite you to the Open House for the newly established Center for Interfaith & Spiritual Life (CISL) at the George Washington University! Come explore how the Center will serve as a vibrant space for the entire GW community to engage with religious and philosophical diversity through interfaith dialogue, spiritual development, education, and service. The Center’s vision is to foster a warm and welcoming atmosphere where students, faculty, and staff can reflect on their spiritual identities, explore theological perspectives, and participate in meaningful conversations about faith, religious tolerance, social justice, and social awareness. Whether you’re looking for a place to worship, meditate, or engage in interfaith activities, the Center is here to support your spiritual journey. Join us for refreshments, meet the team, and learn more about the exciting programs and services the CISL is offering. All are welcome! Light refreshments and beverages will be provided.

“Ask Me Anything”: A Faith-Based Human Library
12 pm-1:30 pm | Room 309, USC
REGISTRATION REQUIRED - LUNCH PROVIDED
Partner/Speaker(s)/Facilitator Information: Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington (IFC)

This introductory workshop, based on the Human Library concept, will enable participants to learn and better understand different faith traditions and practices through intimate small group conversations with individuals from various religious communities. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about any number of topics including, faith practice, food and clothing customs, traditional symbols, major holidays, etc. By connecting with the lived experience of other faiths, participants will increase their ability to relate to diverse individuals and communities and to challenge prejudice and stereotypes within their personal and professional spheres.

Tuesday Night Dinner
GW Newman Center, 2210 F Street NW

This event is a welcoming space to experience Catholic traditions, reflect in silence, and share in community—come for any or all parts of the evening.

• 5:00pm - 6:00pm: Adoration
  Join us for a time of silent meditation (mental prayer) in the Chapel. This hour offers a serene space for all to engage in reflection, prayer, or simply a pause from the day.
• 6:10pm: Daily Mass
  All are welcome to attend Daily Mass in community, a celebration to nourish both spirit and soul.
• 6:45pm: Tuesday Night Dinner
  Conclude the evening with dinner, a chance to connect over a meal with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering conversation and understanding.

Wednesday, November 13

Wings and Wisdom
12 pm | Zingers, Lower Level at GW Hillel, 2300 H Street NW
Partner/Speaker(s)/Facilitator Information: GW Hillel

Join Rabbi Dan Epstein for a weekly lunchtime gathering at Zinger’s Cafe, where students come together to enjoy a meal and engage in meaningful Jewish learning. This week’s discussion will focus on the theme of building bridges and strengthening community, exploring Jewish texts and teachings that inspire connection, understanding, and unity.

Whether you're deeply rooted in your Jewish practice or simply curious to learn more, all are welcome to join this relaxed and thoughtful conversation. Kosher meals will be available through the GW Dining Program at Zinger’s, so bring your appetite and an open mind!

Breaking the Silence: Addressing Religious Taboos on Mental Health and the Importance of Counseling
2-3:30 PM | Center for Interfaith and Spiritual Life Office, USC- Lower Level 02
Partner/Speaker(s)/Facilitator Information: Rashonda Riley Assistant Director of Counseling Outreach & Simran Kaur-Colbert Director Center for Interfaith & Spiritual Life

Join us for a powerful conversation on the intersection of religion and mental health, where we explore common taboos surrounding mental well-being in faith communities. This event will highlight how religious beliefs can sometimes contribute to the stigma around seeking counseling and psychological services, while also offering pathways for integrating faith and mental health care. By breaking the silence, we aim to foster a supportive dialogue that encourages individuals to seek professional help without fear or judgment, all while maintaining their religious and spiritual practices.

Chat with the Dean: Bridging Faiths, Building Futures
5 pm | USC Amphitheater (3rd floor)
Partner/Speaker(s)/Facilitator Information: Colette Coleman, Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at GW

We invite all members of the GW community to come Chat with the Dean, Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Colette Coleman, alongside the new University Chaplain and Director of the Center for Interfaith and Spiritual Life (CISL). This is your opportunity to connect with the inaugural leadership of the Center and get to know their goals through an engaging and informal moderated conversation. 

Thursday, November 14

Interfaith Student Discussion
12 pm | GW Hillel 2nd floor lounge area, 2300 H Street NW
Partner/Speaker(s)/Facilitator Information: GW Hillel

Join Sara Evangelista, Assistant Director of GW Hillel, who comes from an interfaith household. She will discuss what it means to grow up with two faiths and how to bring that identity to college.

Interfaith Dinner
6 pm | USC Grand Ballroom
REGISTRATION REQUIRED - DINNER PROVIDED
Partner/Speaker(s)/Facilitator Information: Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington, Center for Interfaith & Spiritual Life

We invite all members of the GW community - students, faculty, staff, and alumni - to come together and break bread. We will welcome various DC community members, representing multiple religious, spiritual, and secular backgrounds, to engage in discussion, community building, and collective meaning-making. We hope those who join us are nourished through food, interfaith dialogue, and storytelling.

Friday, November 15

Meditation with A Monk
9 am-11 am | Lerner Health & Wellness Center
Partner/Speaker(s)/Facilitator Information: Monk Mathale Amitha Kemo Thero, a visiting monk from the Mahamevnawa Meditation Monastery

Join Monk Mathale Amitha Kemo Thero for a meditation session at the Lerner Health and Wellness Center. Learn about the Buddhist perspective on the importance of meditation through the monk’s interactive teachings.

REL-X Talks
1 pm-2 pm | Presentation Space, USC first floor
Partner/Speaker(s)/Facilitator Information: Dept. of Religion

Join our Religion faculty and majors for a thought-provoking series of  5-minute talks ranging from the topic from  AI to war.

Meet & Greet with CISL: University Chaplain & Director
1 pm-3 pm | 1st floor elevator lobby, USC

All are warmly invited to a Meet & Greet with University Chaplain Kristen Glass-Perez and Dr. Simran Kaur-Colbert, Director of the Center for Interfaith and Spiritual Life (CISL) by the 1st floor elevator lobby. Stop by the CISL table on the 1st floor to connect around building relationships, discussing religious, spiritual, secular life at GW, and exploring how CISL can further support students, faculty, and staff on campus. All are invited to come together to connect, reflect, and support one another. Light refreshments and beverages will be provided.

Jumʿah Prayer

1:30 pm | 3rd Floor, USC

 

Jum'ah, or Friday Prayer, is a weekly congregational prayer for all Muslims that takes place every Friday, marking an important time for communal worship and reflection. Jum'ah fosters a deep sense of community and unity, providing an opportunity to reconnect with faith, gain insight, and feel part of a broader Muslim community.

Empowering Sikh Identity: Turban Tying and Religious Literacy
3 pm | Great Hall, USC
Partner/Speaker(s)/Facilitator Information: Mr. Gurdeep Singh

At this Interfaith Week event, Mr. Gurdeep Singh, a Sikh American entrepreneur and founder of "Pagh Life," will lead a turban-tying demonstration for GW students. He will share the cultural and religious significance of Sikh turbans, highlighting the five Sikh articles of faith. Singh will also address issues of religious intolerance faced by Sikh students and discuss how wearing a turban is an expression of pride in religious and spiritual identity.

Saturday, November 16

GWU  Gospel Choir Performance
7 pm | MVC Hand Chapel

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