SEC/2016/2/0177

Policy for religious and spiritual matters on the campus of

Lancaster University

Introduction

The Universityis committed to providing appropriate pastoral and spiritual care for its students and staff. As a secular institution that privileges no religious faith or organisation, it 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's policies on race equality and ethnicity; and that they should respect the basic tenets of academic freedom.

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.

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.

The Chaplaincy Centre and Islamic Prayer Rooms

The Chaplaincy Centre and Islamic Prayer Rooms provide 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 and other gatherings.

Under a covenant the Centre was given to the University, and was and remains a pioneering ecumenical, multi-faith Chaplaincy in Higher Education in the UK. Chaplains appointed by different religious bodies, in liaison with the University, serve the University staff and students from the Centre, on both an employed 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 artefacts.

It will be the responsibility of the University to ensure that the accommodation meets with Health and Safety requirements.

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/proselytizationoutlined below, and also needs to include the information in English. If groups wish to bring external speakers onto campus for their meetings, they must comply with the University Code on Freedom of Speech, and give details of the proposed speakers to the Chaplaincy Centre at least 14 days before the event.

Evangelism/Outreach/Proselytization

The University recognises that for some religious groups, evangelism or outreach or proselytization 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 on or 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 - it should 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.

Signed:……………………………………………………

Date:……………………………………………………