Spiritual Life
For those who seek one, UMass Amherst offers a rich spiritual life. It would be a stretch to say that we have an office or student group for every religion in the world, but we certainly have a great deal of them covered. Some religious groups have a campus chaplain and a center for worship, events, and educational and social programs, while others are represented by student groups. In addition, many of the churches and synagogues around Amherst work with the campus community and welcome students.
Campus religious organizations are not just for people with strong beliefs and a religious bent, they are also ideal places to meet other students with similar backgrounds and beliefs, and can provide opportunities for education, outreach, and social work. They can also be good places to go for counseling. A rabbi, priest, minister, or other spiritual leader can be an excellent resource when you’re going through a difficult time.
Religious Groups at UMass Amherst
Your first step to find out more should be the website for Religious Life at UMass Amherst. This includes a list of religious groups and campus chaplains, with contact information and links. They also have a page on UMass Amherst’s policy on absences for religious reasons.
Step two would be to check out the list of religious groups among the Registered Student Organizations (RSOs).
Places of Worship in Amherst
There are quite a few places of worship and religious organizations off-campus where students may find a welcoming community. They represent most Christian denominations, as well as the Baha’i, Jewish, and Unitarian Universalist communities. The United Christian Foundation's website includes an extensive list of places for many religions and denominations.
