Colgate is known for strong religious life. With historic roots in the American Baptist Church, Colgate offers a religious life program open to all people, stressing the values of religious freedom and diversity. All students have the opportunity to find religious support and all are welcome to pursue religious life. Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism are the major faith traditions represented on campus. Persons of other faiths are active in the Colgate community as well.
While classes are in session, University Church, the Newman Community, and the Colgate Jewish Union hold weekly services, and several of the other groups (including Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and the Colgate Christian Fellowship) gather weekly for prayer, meditation, and mutual support. The activities of every group are open to everyone at Colgate, and all groups welcome visitors. All of the religious communities at Colgate are engaged in the work of the Interfaith Council.
The garden level of Memorial Chapel is home to the offices of the Catholic chaplain, Jewish chaplain, Protestant chaplain, Muslim Student Association, and the administrative assistant to the chaplains. The garden level of the chapel has a comfortable study space and program area. All chaplains are available for counseling and assistance.
Read our mission statement here.