GAP/2007/0993

UNIVERSITY OF LANCASTER

Senate

21 November 2007

Agendum SB.8

LancasterUniversity Policy for Faith Groups

Meeting and Working on Campus

Introduction

This paper is an attempt to provide some principles which both Chaplaincy Centre and the University could adopt towards religious groups wishing to have and maintain formal or informal presence on campus. This paper has been prepared by The Chaplains and Chair of the Chaplaincy Management in conjunction with the University Secretary and a Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University. It has been the subject of formal consultation with the Chaplaincy Management Committee (which includes representatives of all religious groups currently meeting on campus),and the Student Support and Welfare Committee, both of whom endorse this policy and commend it to Senate for approval.

The paper contains for information material already included in other University policies concerning equality and discrimination (reproduced below).

Plans for any expansion of provision of worship space are dependent on formulating this policy, particularly for the allocation of worship space to religious groups not currently adequately provided for on campus. It is therefore important that the policy is now approved, as the Islamic community in particular wish to move from their temporary facilities as soon as possible.

CurrentUniversity Statement on religion

  • The University, as a secular institution that privileges no religious faith or organisation, accords full respect and tolerance of all religious faiths, beliefs and practices equally. It affirms that all members of the University community have the right to religious freedom and to the peaceful exposition of their religious faith, beliefs and customs. An intrinsic part of this commitment to religious equality and tolerance in the University community is the expectation and requirement that religious groups and adherents of all faiths on campus should accord full tolerance and respect for the religious faith, beliefs and practices of others, and for those who subscribe to no faith; that they should adhere to the University’ policies on race equality and ethnicity; and that they should respect the basic tenets of academic freedom.
CurrentUniversity Policy: Cultural and Religious Observance
  • The requirement and need to pray in a particular form is a matter of personal choice based on the nature and depth of personal belief. Practising individuals (staff and students) should advise their Head of Department/Section or tutor, if they have any special prayer requirements. HoDs/HoSs and tutors are responsible for ensuring that if other staff or students are affected by an individual's spiritual needs, a reasonable degree of respect and understanding is exercised between them.
  • Where facilities are sought by staff and students, such as provision of a quiet room, the University will make every reasonable effort to provide clearly signed appropriate accommodation (with appropriate additional facilities, such as washing facilities, nearby). It will be the responsibility of the University to ensure that the accommodation meets with Health and Safety requirements.

  • Individuals will not be required to work for specified periods of time, such as mid-day on Fridays; or on Saturdays or Sundays, where it conflicts with their religious beliefs and practice. However, all staff, regardless of religious belief or non-belief, are required to work in accordance with their contract, although there is likely to be some flexibility over how the hours are worked. Students, similarly, are required to fulfil course requirements.
  • Information on religious festivals and practices will be available from the Equal Opportunities and Chaplaincy Centre web pages.

Proposed Policy Document

General Policy Towards Faith Groups Meeting on Campus

The University, as a secular institution privileges no religious faith or organisation. It accords full and equal respect and tolerance of all religious faiths, beliefs and practices.

It affirms that all members of the University community have the right to religious freedom and to the peaceful exposition of their religious faith, beliefs and practices.

An intrinsic part of this commitment to religious equality and tolerance in the University community is the expectation and requirement that religious groups and adherents of all faiths on campus:

  • should accord full tolerance and respect for the religious faith, beliefs and practices of others, and for those who subscribe to no faith.
  • should adhere to the University policies on issues such as race, equality and ethnicity; and that they should respect the basic tenets of academic freedom.

The Chaplaincy Centre

The Chaplaincy Centre provides a ‘home’ for religious groups on campus. The Centre was funded by a variety of religious groups and contains both dedicated and shared space for worship. Under a covenant the Centre was given to the University, and was and remains a pioneering multi-faith Chaplaincy in Higher Education in the UK. Chaplains serve the University staff and students from the Centre, appointed by different religious bodies, in liaison with the University, on both a professional and voluntary basis.

Religious Facilities

Where facilities are sought by groups of staff and/or students for religious purposes (such as provision of a quiet room or prayer room), the University will make every reasonable effort to provide clearly signed appropriate accommodation with necessary additional facilities nearby, such as washing facilities and storage for religious artifact.

If possible and practical, this accommodation will be located in or in the vicinity of the Chaplaincy Centre, and groups will be offered representation on the Chaplaincy Management Committee.

Provision for religious groups not currently accommodated on campus will normally be allocated on a ‘shared use’ basis. Existing chapels and rooms are normally able to be booked by different groups who are in sympathy with the primary function of that space.

Liaison between the University and Religious Groups Meeting on Campus

Should a person or group from outside the University wish to conduct a religious event, (an event not organised by an academic department which has a purpose to make known a religious practice or tradition), or an act of worship on campus,the University may wish to seek the advice and guidance of the Chaplaincy Centre Management Committee.

Religious meetings and events

All religious groups meeting on campus are encouraged to make their meetings as open and accessible to all as practically possible, and to publicise times and location of meetings across campus. All publicity should be in line with the guidance on evangelism/outreach/proselytisation outlined below.

Evangelism/Outreach/Proselytisation

The University recognises that for some religious groups, evangelism or outreach or proselytisation forms part of their core belief and practice. All groups are required to abide by the University’s policies as outlined above and to follow these guidelines in any activities taking place on campus:

  • To avoid imposing onor taking advantage of, individuals or communities who are in vulnerable situations.
  • To respect another person’s expressed wish to be left alone.
  • To be straightforward and transparent about the intention of any meeting or event – itshould always be clearly stated if a social or other event also has an outreach or religious dimension.
  • To clearly state which religious group or body is organising an event or activity.
  • To avoid violent language, threats, manipulation, improper inducements, or the misuse of any kind of power.
  • To respect the rights of others to disagree.
  • Not to wilfully misrepresent or disparage the beliefs and practices of others.

Professor Amanda Chetwynd

Pro Vice Chancellor for Colleges and the Student Experience

8 November 2007