Multifaith Council

The Bates Multifaith Council gathers representatives of the various religious communities on our campus as well as any other interested persons to exchange information, to support each other's projects, and to plan jointly-sponsored efforts each year. We sponsor an extremely popular annual Multifaith Banquet, lectures and forums.

Bates Christian Fellowship

Wednesdays 7:00p.m., Hirasawa Lounge

Bates Christian Fellowship provides opportunities for all Bates students to consider the implications of Christian faith for life today, to find friendship and support, and to develop the spiritual dimension of our lives. Our Thursday evening meetings provide an opportunity to hear guest speakers, discuss topics of interest, and worship and pray as a community. In addition, small groups meet at various times throughout the week to nurture friendships, explore issues of faith and life, and study the Bible. Other events include conferences with area college fellowships, social activities, and retreats. BCF is comprised of people from a variety of traditions and backgrounds. The integrity of each person's beliefs is respected. BCF is a chapter of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, a national, interdenominational campus ministry.

Christian Science Organization

Bates Christian Science Organization is a group dedicated to supporting and pro-actively encouraging a spiritually uplifted campus and community. We seek to serve as a spiritual resource for all and create a comfortable forum for dialogue on spirituality and current issues through meetings and lectures. Our weekly meetings include readings and the sharing of experiences and ideas about how the challenges of campus life and beyond can be met through prayer and spirituality. We warmly welcome all genuinely interested students, faculty, and staff.

Salaam Namaste

Salaam Namastehosts celebrations on Holi and Diwali, plans dinner and other social outings, organizes speakers and cultural events, and maintains the campus Hindu Shrine (on the second floor of the Multicultural Center).

Catholic Student Community

The Catholic Community of faith gathers Sunday evenings at 5:45 pm at the Chapel and travels to Holy Family for mass. The Catholic Student Community also schedules opportunities for fellowship and service.

Bates Hillel

In addition to weekly Shabbat dinners and meetings, the Bates Hillel arranges for holiday celebrations on campus.  On the first Friday of each month, there is a full Shabbat Service at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. On other Fridays, there is an informal gathering at 6:00 p.m. followed by an abbreviated Shabbat Service and dinner at 6:30 p.m. These take place at the Multicultural Center. Watch the Bates Daily for seasonal announcements, or contact the Multifaith Chaplaincy.

Lewiston Society of Friends (Quakers)

The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) holds a silent Meeting for Worship every Sunday at 10 a.m. September through June at 163 Wood St. Everyone is welcome to attend. Come dressed for comfort and ready to sit for an hour. There is no pastor presiding; rather, everyone shares in the ministry, whether through silent prayer, meditation, spoken messages or occasionally song. We seek to be still and to attend to the "Inner Light" or "that of God" which dwells in everyone. Refreshments follow, then Meeting for Business (first Sunday of the month), or other programs and discussions from time to time. You are welcome to come any time and participate in as little or as much as you wish. For more information, contact Kirk Read (Department of Classical and Romance Languages and Literatures, 782-3524).

Mushahada Association (Muslim Students at Bates)

In cooperation with the Multicultural Center, the Multifaith Chaplaincy supports weekly Jum'ah prayers for Muslim students. Prayers are held Friday afternoons (when classes are in session) in the Muslim Prayer Room on the first floor of the Multicultural Center. Special dining arrangements are made for Muslims during Ramadan. In addition to working with the Multifaith Chaplaincy on projects to educate the campus about Islam, such as hosting visiting lecturers and showing films, the Muslim students at Bates have also joined together for mutual support and friendship in formal and informal ways. In recent years, they have held weekly iftars during Ramadan with food prepared by employees of the College, made special arrangements for the observance of Eid holidays with members of the Lewiston community, and gotten together for occasional meals and evenings out.

The Bates Dharma Society (Buddhist Students at Bates)

The Bates Dharma Society is group of students that meets to discuss and explore Buddhism as both a philosophy and a way of life. The Multifaith Chaplaincy sponsors Buddhist retreats and speakers each academic year in cooperation with the Dharma Society.

Unitarian Universalist Association

Bates Unitarian Universalist Fellowship aims to provide spiritual and social community for Unitarian Universalist students and others who are interested in its ideals. The group anticipates hosting meditations, meetings, lectures, and other activities that promote Unitarian Universalist ideals.