Campus group sponsors week of religious diversity

Arizona Daily Wildcat Rev. Allen Breckinridge, adviser to the Campus Christian Center, said the Religious Awareness and Diversity club "laid dormant for a while" until this year when students displayed an interest in it. The Religious Awareness and Diversity Week is entirely organized by students.

Religious Awareness and Diversity Week, a collaboration between the religious and spiritual groups on the University of Arizona campus, is an attempt to educate students about religions around the world.

"Many students are trying to find spirituality. The purpose of religion is unity, and by doing this awareness week, we're trying to put the best foot forward," said Shana Hornstein, psychology junior and president of the Religious Awareness and Diversity club.

The group will host a variety of religious groups on the Mall this week- everything from the Baha'i religion to Hinduism, Paganism and American Indian spirituality, Hornstein said.

An American Indian blessing ceremony took place on the Mall yesterday, along with the musical spirituality of Young Thunder Nation drumming group.

"One of the greatest harms of the whole world is intolerance of other religions. If we can share our religions, we will be able to live in harmony. We're all children of one creator - so we should respect one another," said Carol Locust, director of training at the Native American Research and Training Center.

The Native American Research and Training Center, along with the Hawaii Club and African American club, are working with the religious club to promote religious awareness, Hornstein said.

Today at noon, the club will have music and presentations on spirituality on the Mall, and at 7 p.m. members of a panel on "Creation and Spirituality" will speak in Modern Languages Room 406.

The week's activities continue on the Mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and include everything from the spiritual roots of martial arts, to a performance of the Christian rock band, Stranger.

"I think one of the most exciting things about this week is that it's put on by students," said the Rev. Allen Breckenridge, of the Campus Christian Center and the club's adviser. The Religious Awareness and Diversity Club was started in 1994 by Jeff Hardy, a student who later transferred to Arizona State University. Breckenridge said the club "laid dormant for a while" until this year when students displayed an interest in it.

The group's treasurer Liz Worthington, an elementary education senior, said this week is a great opportunity for students to expand and learn about different cultures.

"There's a lot of bad stereotypes of organized religion. A lot of people think you're a dork if you're into your religion," Worthington said.

Students around campus said the club's message was important.

"When you're in college, diversity is a really important thing. If you're not interested in any specific religion, this (week) is a good opportunity for students to find out," said Eleana Council, a pre-nursing freshman, who said she heard the American Indian drums yesterday on her way to class.

"I think something like this helps you better understand your own spirituality and decide what the right thing is for you," said Jocelyn Gmerek, a pre-nursing freshman.

Tom Loiverius, an undeclared freshman, agreed this week could benefit students.

"Obviously a lot of people on campus are too close-minded. People shouldn't try to get to know other religions as much as try to understand that there are other religions out there. It's healthy to accept other beliefs," he said.