Welcome to the Office for Religious Life

Our Mission

“To guide, nurture and enhance spiritual, religious and ethical life within the Stanford University community.”

We are collectively committed and devoted to ensuring lively, thoughtful and supportive contexts for Stanford students, faculty and staff who wish to pursue spiritual interests. We recognize that a spiritual/religious journey can be an important, balancing complement to the numerous challenges one faces in the pursuit of academic and career goals.

While each one of us participates in and leads worship and study in her/his own religious traditions, our primary objective as a staff is to collaborate as a multi-faith team and work with all constituents of this dynamic university.

Our aim is to promote enriching dialogue, meaningful ritual, and enduring friendships among people of all religious backgrounds.

Features

Science & Religion Sunday

On Sunday, February 5, University Public Worship will feature Douglas Osheroff, Professor Emeritus of Physics and Rev. Scotty McLennan, Dean for Religious Life engaging in a sermon titled “Science and Religion: A Dialogue Sermon.” The theme of the service is in recognition that the timeless truths of the Bible and the discoveries of modern science can comfortably coexist. All are welcome to join us in the Round Room after the service for a discussion lunch about the sermon’s topic.

President Obama’s Interfaith and Community Service Challenge

In response to President Obama’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge, the Office for Religious Life and the Haas Center for Public Service—in collabration with campus departments, faculty, student organizations, and student leaders—are launching the Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge. The 2011–12 theme is Hospitality and Welcoming the Stranger: Immigration in the Bay Area Through the Lens of Hunger and Homelessness. Individuals from all backgrounds—religious and nonreligious—are invited to participate. More Info

Dalai Lama Video Available

Full video of “Harry’s Last Lecture on a Meaningful Life” featuring His Holiness the Dalai Lama is available at http://www.youtube.com/stanford#p/search/3/aASpioHVtzs.