Chaplaincy Mission Statement: "The Culture of the Heart"

Founder of Hamilton College, Rev. SAMUEL KIRKLAND had a vision for Hamilton College which included an understanding of educating the whole person when he wrote that "the culture of the heart is to be considered as an important object in every part of education."

The chaplaincy exists to encourage all forms of religious life and inquiry which find expression in the Hamilton College community. Current efforts supported by the chaplaincy includes worship services, religious music, study groups, observance of holy days, experiences of prayer and meditation, bereavement concerns, and discussions, lectures, or other engagement with the life of spirituality and moral concern.

The chaplaincy also serves as a liaison to communities of faith in the surrounding area, and a resource for students whose religious needs extend beyond our campus. Chaplains are available for counseling with all members of the Hamilton community, in areas of bereavement, spiritual exploration, and other matters of personal growth. The chaplaincy also supports a vital program of volunteer service to the surrounding communities.

The Interfaith Council for Religion & Ethics

• Christian Fellowship (ecumenical Christian)
• Community Church (Protestant)
• Earth Spirituality (Native American, Pagan, Wicca)
• Gospel Choir
• Hillel (Jewish)
• Muslim Students Association
• Newman Community (Catholic)
• Orthodox Christian Fellowship (Greek, Russian, and other Eastern Orthodox traditions.)
• Meditation Group (Buddhist and other meditative traditions)
• Atheists, Agnostics, and Freethinkers
• Unitarian/Universalists Group
• And students from other traditions including Sikh, Baha'i, Mormon, and Hindu.

The Interfaith Council helps the chaplaincy address three goals:

1. promote awareness of religious and ethical life on campus
2. provide mutual communication and support for religious communities on campus
3. Offer opportunities for interfaith experience and dialogue

Services in the Chapel

Community Chapel

Newman Community