Stanford Associated Religions (SAR)
The Office for Religious Life oversees and provides support for Stanford Associated Religions (SAR), 35 religious organizations invited to offer their spiritual services to the campus. All SAR organizations, individual members and advisors pledge:
(a) to promote the moral and spiritual growth of the Stanford University community;
(b) to support Stanford’s steady exercise of free inquiry and its pursuit of the highest standards of intellectual and moral excellence;
(c) to represent that group and its purposes forthrightly, while at the same time treating with respect the religious traditions and activities of others; and
(d) to safeguard the religious freedom, human dignity, conscience and personal spiritual welfare of all members of the university.
In addition to the groups that comprise SAR, roughly a dozen student religious organizations affiliate only through the Office of Student Activities.
To get updates about upcoming events hosted by Stanford Associated Religions Groups, join the mailing list: https://mailman.stanford.edu/mailman/listinfo/sar_announce.
SAR Directory
ATHEIST (ETC.)
Atheists, Humanists, and Agnostics (AHA!) at Stanford
http://aha.stanford.edu/
Student President: James Grayson, jgrayson@stanford.edu, 650-336-5859
Advisor: Prof. Franco Moretti, moretti@stanford.edu, 650-723-4590
Professional Leader: Prof. Jason Smick, jsmick@scu.edu, 408-554-4668
Atheists, Humanists, and Agnostics (AHA!) at Stanford holds biweekly discussion meetings on topics of interest to nonreligious students. We also organize larger educational events, such as guest lectures, of more general interest to the university community. All events are open to anyone, and we welcome friendly and respectful dialogue with religious students and student organizations.
BAHÁ’Í
Bahá’í Association at Stanford
http://www.stanford.edu/group/bahai/
Student Presidents: Sadaf Sobhani, ssobhani@stanford.edu , 530-902-5982
Advisor: Dr. Paul Khavari, khavari@stanford.edu, 650-852-3494
The Bahá’í Association at Stanford is a student organization dedicated to exploring, studying and practicing the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith. The group organizes activities and events that promote Bahá’í ideals such as the independent investigation of truth, the harmony of religion and science, the equality of men and women, the elimination of prejudices, the basic unity of all religions, the oneness of humanity, and the promotion of world peace. Study circles and service projects are always ongoing. Weekly meetings include prayer sessions and discussions on spiritual, moral or social topics. All are welcome.
BUDDHIST
Buddhist Community at Stanford
http://www.stanford.edu/group/bcas/
Student Co-Presidents: Hannah Kopp-Yates, 510-289-6169, hannahky@stanford.edu; Sin Yee Koh, sinyee@stanford.edu
Advisor: Prof. Carl Bielefeldt, carl@stanford.edu, 650-723-3322; Prof. Michael Hagerty, 510-653-6327, mrhagerty@ucdavis.edu
The Buddhist Community at Stanford (BCAS) is an ecumenical group dedicated to creating a supportive community for Buddhist study and practice. Experienced Buddhists from different traditions as well as people who are exploring are welcome. Activities include: daily sitting periods, meditation classes, study groups, visits to local monasteries, Dharma talks, social gatherings, community service and more.
http://wpb.stanford.edu
Student President: Erika Roach, elroach@stanford.edu, 951-609-5063
Advisor: Nora Richardson, richardson_nora@gsb.stanford.edu, 650-465-2317
The World Peace Buddhists is a group of Stanford students practicing Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. The group is interested in promoting peace, culture and education on campus and in the community based on Buddhist principles. Most members are affiliated with Soka Gakkai International (SGI), one of the largest international Buddhist organizations and a non-governmental organization to the United Nations. Through faith, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and Buddhist study, members work to develop their lives and embody a positive and vibrant life force to challenge obstacles each day. Social action and heart-to-heart dialogue are integral to individual and societal transformation for the SGI, and is a crucial component of the group’s campus activities.
CHRISTIAN
Acts 2 Christian Fellowship
http://stanford.edu/group/a2cf
Student Co-Presidents: July Lee, julee08@stanford.edu, 760-562-8465; Harrison Truong, htruong1@stanford.edu, 714-722-5708
Advisor: Dr. Scott Limb, scott.limb@gmail.com, 408-489-9875
Professional Leader: Pr. Chris Pak, cspak22@gmail.com, 510-456-8204
Acts 2 Christian Fellowship (A2CF) is an undergrad Christian campus ministry that desires to share the good news of Christ with everyone. All are welcome to join, whether they are new to Christianity and want to find out what it is all about or they already Christian looking for a spiritual home. Through Bible studies, fun fellowship, good food, exciting outings and other activities, A2CF comes together to learn about God, life, and one another. A2CF is affiliated with a local Baptist church, but all students are welcome!
Acts Graduate Christian Fellowship
http://agcf.stanford.edu
Student President: Daniel Li, danyli@stanford.edu, 650-352-3924
Advisor: Dr. Scott Limb, scott.limb@gmail.com, 408-489-9875
Professional Leader: Pr. Chris Pak, cspak22@gmail.com, 510-456-8204
Acts Graduate Christian Fellowship (AGCF) is a Christian campus ministry that desires to share the good news of Christ. All students are welcome to join, whether they are new to Christianity and want to find out what it is all about or they are already Christian looking for a spiritual home. Through Bible studies, fun fellowship, good food, exciting outings and other activities, AGCF comes together to learn about God, life, and one another. AGCF is affiliated with a local Baptist church.
Cardinal Life
Student Co-Presidents: Hannah Seaton, hseaton@stanford.edu, 970-402-1635; Jami Haskins, jamih@stanford.edu
Advisors: Natalie and Trent Wiesen, nwiesen@gmail.com, 650-269-4926
Professional Leaders: Ron and Bonnie Sanders, rs48@stanford.edu, 650-814-7196
Cardinal Life is a welcoming Christian community that particularly reaches out to student athletes and seeks to show the love of Christ to the world around us. Cardinal Life desires to grow in faith and love with God and to grow in compassion for one’s neighbors as themselves. Another desire is to give tangible opportunities to serve the campus and surrounding community. The group offers small group bible studies, book studies, worship gatherings, community service projects, and a variety of other activities to help members grow in faith and love. Everyone is welcome!
The Catholic Community at Stanford
http://catholic.stanford.edu
Student Presidents: Gloria Munoz, gmunoz@stanford.edu
Professional Leaders: Rev. Nathan Castle, O.P., Pastor/Director, ncastle@stanford.edu, 650-725-4681; Rev. Isaiah Molano, O.P., frisaiah@stanford.edu, Teresa Pleins, tpleins@stanford.edu; Nancy Greenfield, nanccas@gmail.com
The Catholic Community at Stanford (CC@S) seeks to develop and form well-educated, passionate and faithful Catholic leaders in order to bring positive change to their disciples, communities and world. With a deep belief in an abundant God, CC@S joins the University’s mission to form the next generation of leaders in transforming the world. Accepting the University’s invitation to offer “lively, thoughtful, and supportive contexts in which to pursue (members’) spiritual journeys during their time at Stanford,” CC@S nurtures the formation of compassionate Catholic leaders. By its life and witness, the community also provides the university access to the Church’s rich and ever-evolving moral, intellectual and spiritual traditions.
Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship
http://xastanford.org
Student President: Lucia Ayala, layala@stanford.edu, 956-463-7497
Professional Leader: Rev. Glen Davis, glen.davis@gmail.com, 650-380-0896
Chi Alpha (XA) is a community of students earnestly following Jesus. Weekly worship gatherings are filled with music, given to humor and deal with everything from relationships to the nature of truth. XA also offers retreats, Bible studies, seminars, and opportunities to serve the needy in San Francisco and East Palo Alto. Sponsorship is provided by the Assemblies of God, and students from all backgrounds are welcome.
Chinese Campus Evangelistic Fellowship
Student President: Chen Chen, cchen86@stanford.edu, 650-862-9738; Xiao Zhang, sophiazx@gmail.com, 650-766-3452
Advisors: Guiqiao Gan, jokcting@gmail.com, 650-571-7639
Chinese Campus Evangelistic Fellowship (CCEF) is a student organization aimed to help Chinese students bridge the cultural gap, ease their transition into their new environment, enrich their personal lives, and broaden horizons to new values and possibilities. On one hand, the founding reason of CCEF is the love of Jesus Christ, and the group’s caring activities and social concerns reflects values of the Christian faith. On the other hand, CCEF is an organization with an open door policy toward all faiths.
Christian Students
http://www.stanford.edu/group/christianclub
Student Co-Presidents: Ivan Wong, ivanwong@stanford.edu; 925-708-6839
Advisors: Jeff Chang, jccchang@stanford.edu, 650-814-0494; Benjamin Dai, benjamindai@gmail.com, 310-927-1891; Dr. Paul Lee, drpaullee@gmail.com
Christians Students has been meeting on campus since 1992. Their goal, through the study and enjoyment of the Word of God, is to experience and enjoy Christ in daily living as nourishment (John 6:57, 63), and to minister Christ as life and love to one another for mutual encouragement and building up. All are welcome to come and join in on weekly campus Bible studies, small group/home fellowships, bi-annual conferences and retreats, and many other activities.
http://www.sanc.info
Student President: Graham Thompson, grahamth@stanford.edu; 703-342-6761
Professional Leader: Scott Scruggs, sscruggs@mppc.org, 650-329-7418
Cornerstone is a Christian fellowshipo group sponsored by Menlo Park Presbyterian Church that is committed to developing authentic followers of Jesus during this fun and formative stage of life. Members gather for worship at Sanctuary (a Sunday night service at MPPC) and serve together in community. Cornerstone’s primary program is a weekly breakfast ministry that is prepared at MPPC and then served to those in need at the Opportunity Center in Palo Alto. It’s a great opportunity to deepen friendships and bless neighbors. All are welcome.
http://www.pbc.org/ekklesia
Student President: Kyle Anderson, kylea11@stanford.edu, 650-678-8222
Professional Leader: Paul Taylor, paul_taylor@pbc.org, 650-494-3840 x231
ekklesia is the college ministry of Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto and operates as a partnership with on-campus Christian fellowships. The group invites students into a deeper relationship with others through the life of the church and a deeper relationship with God through His Word. Gathering together for breakfast prior to church on Sunday provides time for fellowship and relationship. Discipleship groups, social events, and retreats offer other opportunities for connection with each other and God.
Episcopal Lutheran Campus Ministry
http://elcm.stanford.edu
Student President: Kristi Schneck, kschneck@stanford.edu, 218-205-8424
Professional Leader: Rev. Greg Schaefer, prgreg@stanford.edu, 650-857-9660
The Episcopal Lutheran Campus Ministry is a united ministry of the Episcopal and Lutheran churches, but this community is made up of faculty, staff, students, family, friends, neighbors, and alumni from many (or no) denominations. We use scripture, tradition, reason, and experience to inspire a living faith. We are barrier-free, welcoming people of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and religious affiliations. If you want to be here, God welcomes you.
International Students Christian Outreach
http://www.stanford.edu/group/isco
Student President: Kevin O’Herrin, kaoherin@stanford.edu, 650-213-2188; Aren Balabanian, arenbal@stanford.edu, 559-281-3411; Janiece Jenkins, 360-720-3475, janiecej@stanford.edu; Allie Leeper, allie105@stanford.edu, 650-799-9703
Advisors: Bruce Pruitt, wbpruitt@aol.com, 916-749-3835; Michael F. Miller, mike.miller@labcyte.com, 650-968-3838
International Students Christian Outreach (ISCO) is a Protestant Christian organization, supported by evangelical churches and Christian friends. ISCO has been accredited by Stanford University to serve international students and visiting scholars and their families since 1974. Many evangelical churches of this community extend through ISCO their hospitality, making their homes and other great resources available. ISCO members acknowledge and worship the person of Jesus Christ as the one and only Lord and Savior of the world. Whatever one’s personal religious tradition may be, all are welcome to participate in ISCO activities. Religious activity participation (such as bible studies) is voluntary.
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (Undergrad)
http://www.ivstanford.org
Student President: Nayo Hill, nayohill@stanford.edu, 301-830-1352
Advisor:Taiei Harimoto, taieiharimoto@ivstaff.org, 650-597-2693
We are a fellowship of people from a diversity of both cultural and spiritual backgrounds who come together out of a common love for Jesus. We are passionate about prayer, studying the scripture, justice, and racial reconciliation. Our large group meetings are a time of musical worship, prayer and biblical teaching. We also have small groups in dorms where people can take time to look at passages from the Bible, and discuss their original meaning and their relevance for us today. Finally, we hold a conference off-campus every quarter.
InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship
http://ivgrad.stanford.edu
Student Presidents: Heather Stalker, hstalker@stanford.edu
Professional Leader: Pete Sommer, pete.sommer@sbcglobal.net, 650-575-2693
InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship at Stanford is community of graduate students seeking to know Jesus Christ more.
- All four quarters we hold weekly gatherings featuring a meal prepared by one of the small groups, worship songs, and a faculty, student, or visiting speaker. Speakers examine life issues from a Christian viewpoint, but relevant to other than-Christians viewpoint as well.
- Small groups are the heart of IV Grad. Weekly get togethers in more laid back settings can help build the strongest friendships you’ll have at Stanford. Study the Bible and encourage each other as you make your way through graduate school.
- Two or three times a year we have events that serve the entire fellowship, the Stanford community, and even the world. They range from major lectures to service projects.
- Retreats, ski trips, hiking, birthday parties, after-dissertation-defense parties, and other fun happen with little warning all year long.
Latter-Day Saint Student Association
http://stanford.edu/group/ldssa
Student President: Lena Schoemaker, lena_schoemaker@yahoo.com, 801-651-9612
Advisor: Jeremy Hunt, huntjj@ldschurch.org , 650-855-9640
The purpose of the Latter-Day Saint Student Association is, (1) promote faith in Jesus Christ; (2) to encourage and support members of the LDSSA in achieving their academic goals and maintaining a balanced life while on campus; (3) to encourage members of the LDSSA to become an influence for good by participating in activities and service opportunities and social and religious activities that are with the LDSSA standards.
http://www.stanford.edu/group/ocf
Student President: George Karakonstantakis, geokarak@stanford.edu, 650-497-5023
Advisor: Rev. Peter Sotiras, office@goholycross.org, 650-591-4447
OFC is an organization for all Orthodox Christians on Campus. We have weekly meetings at which we discuss a variety of topics having to do with religion and Christianity to philosophy and everyday issues of our lives. We also organize services in Stanford memorial church and in other places to promote the Liturgic life of Orthodox Christianity. Both the services and the meetings are open to the public and everyone can join and leave as he or she pleases. We are also in contact with the other Christian and religious groups on campus in our endeavor to interact with them, learn from them and participate in their liturgic life as well as promotion interreligious coorperation.
Parakaleo Christian Ministries
http://parakaleo.stanford.edu
Student President: Esther Pierce, epierce@stanford.edu , 650-644-8100
Advisors: Steve & Erica Lawry, lawry@stanford.edu , 650-854-0194
Parakaleo offers a three-quarter course teaching students to apply God’s written word to their own daily life issues and relationships, and equipping them to counsel others from the Bible under the guidance and empowering of the Holy Spirit. Led by advisors Steve and Erica Lawry. More info can be found at http://parakaleo.stanford.edu.
http://stanford.edu/group/quakers
Student Presidents: Daniel Steinbock, steinbock@stanford.edu , 831-246-0703
Advisor: Talley Kenyon, talleykenyon@gmail.com, 650-324-3280
The purpose of Quakers at Stanford is to provide a gathering point for spiritual seekers in the Stanford community, people associated with the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), and anyone interested in learning more about Friends’ faith and practices. We gather in Quaker-style silent worship and open dialogue to heed the spiritual leadings of our members and organize projects in service to peace humanity. All are welcome to participate.
Reformed University Fellowship at Stanford
http://www.rufstanford.com
Student President: Carson Kynes, chkynes@gmail.com , 703-477-0375
Professional Leader: Britton Wood, bwood@ruf.org , 803-622-3357
Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) is a Christian ministry associated with the Presbyterian Church in America. Although Presbyterian in affiliation, we welcome students from all walks of life and backgrounds, both the convinced and the unconvinced. Through worship, prayer, biblical instruction, service and vibrant relationships, we seek to deepen our understanding and our practice of the Christian faith.
ReJOYce In Jesus Campus Fellowship
Student President: Alexis Patterson, alexisdp@stanford.edu, 925-876-2866
Advisor: Valesha Jones, foolsforchrist@msn.com, 650-327-9689
ReJOYce in Jesus Campus Fellowship is a spirit-filled Bible study and fellowship group that seeks to challenge individuals to pursue a deeper personal love relationship with Jesus, and to teach practical steps in applying God’s Word to all aspects of life.
http://sportschallenge.org
Student President: Jack Mosbacher, jackmos@stanford.edu, 630-867-7577
Advisor: Jim Stump, stumpersci@aol.com, 650-799-5200
Sports Challenge is a relationship-based campus ministry for Stanford student athletes dedicated to teaching them what it means to be devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Each member, of the club meets with the group’s advisor for personal conversation, leading them through specifically designed Bible studies to equip them for their spiritual walk and answer their most difficult questions. Sports Challenge members also speak at community churches and participate in community service.
United Campus Christian Ministry at Stanford
http://uccm.stanford.edu
Student President: Yifeng Huang, fyhuang@stanford.edu
Professional Leader: Rev. Geoff Browning, geoff.browning@stanford.edu, 650-868-4241
United Campus Christian Ministry at Stanford is a progressive Christian fellowship which welcomes all students! Dedicated to exploring spiritually and social justice, we value questions as much as answers. UCCM programs include: dinner and discussion groups , Bible study, Alternative Spring Break, service with the local community organizations, Interfaith and service retreats, summer fellowship, and mediation.
CONFUCIAN
Confucian Life and Study at Stanford
http://confucian.stanford.edu
Student President: Seanan Fong, ssfong@stanford.edu, 925-457-1220
Advisors: Prof. Lee Yearley, yearly@stanford.edu; Prof. Yiqun Zhou, yzhou1@stanford.edu
Confucian Life and Study at Stanford forms a unique nexus of intellectual inquiry into the Confucian tradition and the application of its insights within members’ lives, enabling the Stanford community and the world to draw on the Confucian tradition to understand and enact ethical and meaningful lives. Through weekly discussion groups, scholarly talks and cultural and service events, members gather to explore, interrogate and better comprehend an influential ethical tradition – and question whether/how it is still relevant to society today.
HINDU
http://hindu.stanford.edu/
Student Co-President: Pallav Agrawal, pallav21@stanford.edu, 952-564-8846; Siddhant Bhandari, 650-497-2112
Advisor: Prof. Linda Hess, lionda@stanford.edu, 650-725-9732
Open to all members of the Stanford community, Hindu Students Association organizes various events that help carry forward the legacy of sages by studying their teachings with an open, scientific mind as they have recommended. In the weekly Practical Spirituality discussion class under the guidance of Swami Vedananda, we discuss Hinduism in the modern context through the works and vision of Swami Vivekananda. HSA also organizes or co-organizes events such as Diwali, Vasant Panchami, Malti-faith event, Holi, Weekly Yoga class etc.
INTERFAITH
Faiths Act in Togetherness and Hope (FAITH)
Student President: Heidi Thorsen, thorsen@stanford.edu, 909-286-7057
Advisor: Dean Scotty McLennan, mclennan@stanford.edu, 650-723-1762
FAITH is a group of student of diverse religious and non-religious backgrounds committed to bridging differences between people of diverse beliefs. While members may affiliate with other religious groups, they express unity through community service, interfaith events, and collective responses to local and global issues.
JEWISH
http://chabad.stanford.edu
Student Co-President: Natalie Sudikoff, sudikoff@stanford.edu, 310-849-2256; Josh Eisner, eisnerj@stanford.edu, 917-913-5461
Advisor: Rabbi Dov Greenberg, dov@chabadstanford.org, 650-494-3274
Chabad at Stanford is a vibrant Jewish student organization that is dedicated to sharing the warmth, wisdom and depth of Judaism in an exciting, non-judgmental fashion. Chabad helps create student programming, plans social action projects and offers many volunteer opportunities. The Chabad Center, located at 1289 College Avenue in Palo Alto, offers a place where students can socialize in a comfortable home-like setting with great friends, superb food and stimulating discussion. All are welcome regardless of background or affiliation.
http://Hillel.stanford.edu
Student President: Janet Chikofsky, jchikofsky@stanford.edu, 412-613-7600
Professional Leader: Rabbi Mychal Copeland, rabbimrc@stanford.edu, 650-725-1424
Hillel at Stanford is a place that provides welcoming educational, religious, cultural, social, social justice, and spiritual programs for the Jewish community and the broader Stanford community. It is composed of about 12 student groups with different focuses aligned with Hillel’s goals and mission to promote dialogue. We have weekly Shabbat services on Friday nights as well as dinner every week. We have sponsored barbecues, pool parties, speaker events, Torah study, Israel-focused programs, and other wide-ranging programs that cater to the diverse interests of the Stanford students.
MUSLIM
Islamic Society of Stanford University
http://issu1.stanford.edu/
Student President: Galym Imanbayev, galym007@stanford.edu, 503-329-0972
Advisor: Nancy Howe, nhowe@stanford.edu, 650-723-4865
The primary goal of ISSU is to build a strong, close-knit Muslim community. ISSU offers religious and spiritual programming to students on campus as well as social and community events. ISSU is an organization that caters specifically to Stanford’s Muslim community and is responsible for the organization of Jumu’ah prayer, communal Iftars, Majors Night, the Big Sib-Little Sib program, and special events like Golden Gate Fajr and TGIJ (Thank God It’s Jumu’ar).
The Ismaili Student Association at Stanford
http://groupspaces.com/IsmailiStudentAssociation/
Student Co-Presidents: Elahe Popat, epopat@stanford.edu, 650-714-1345; Al-Karim Lalani, alalani@stanford.edu, 650-644-8199
Advisor: Nancy Howe, nhowe@stanford.edu, 650-723-4865
The Ismaili Student Association at Stanford (ISAS) aims to provide social, educational and religious programming for Ismaili students and to increase the awareness and understanding of the Ismaili Muslim faith in the Stanford community at large.
SIKH
Satrang Sikh Student Association
Student President: Harjus Birk, hbirk@stanford.edu, 530-941-1802
Professional Leader: Prof. Ravinder Dhillon, dhillon40@gmail.com
Satrang seeks to foster cultural and social awareness about Sikhism to the entire community. Major activities include the planned Student initiated Sikhism course offered in the Spring, as well as cultural and religious events held throughout the year and open to everyone. These activities include Lohri and Kirtan celebrations.
