Tranquil green walls and sweet-scented flowers created a peaceful atmosphere in Room 205 of the Reamer Campus Center during a ceremony dedicating the space’s new use.
But it was the Union College students attending the event Thursday evening who gave the new prayer and meditation room a true sense of purpose.
Gathered in a circle inside the room, students offered prayers of the Hindu, Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths to celebrate the official unveiling of the room.
They also spoke of the importance of the room, not just to Union’s longstanding support of multicultural efforts, but also to the importance of religion in human lives.
“As a self-identified atheistic Jew, I am often asked why I am involved with religious and spiritual life and the Multi-Faith Council, and my answer is always the same,” said Ariel Sincoff-Yedid ’09, chair of Union’s Multi-Faith Council. “I may not agree with every tenet of every tradition or every belief or practice, but I have seen, both academically and practically, how important religion is in the lives of so many people.”
Maria-Claire Pietak
“I believe these beliefs and practices must be protected and understood,” she added. “This space, our prayer and meditation room, is a necessary step in the protection and encouragement of religion, spirituality and interest at Union.”
President Stephen C. Ainlay agreed, recounting a bit of Union’s history.“Union College is known as the first non-denominational college in America,” he said. “I can’t imagine – but I’m trying now – how proud the founders of Union would be to see this space.”
The prayer and meditation room is open to all, and is stocked with sacred texts, prayer rugs, prayer cushions and other articles to enhance religious observance.
