What If I'm Not Catholic?

Fordham recognizes the importance faith in all of its student’s lives. It is easy to think that because Catholics number between 50 percent and 75 percent of Fordham undergraduates, the Office of Campus Ministry is for Catholics only. However, that is not the case. The Office of Campus Ministry encourages the faith of all of Fordham’s students and is open to all faith traditions. Our staff includes a full-time Protestant chaplain who provides programming throughout the year and is further enriched by the voluntary services of Orthodox clergy and Jewish rabbis. Fordham invites all its students to take very seriously their own religious faith tradition and spiritual growth during their formative collegiate careers. The University would not be true to its mission if it did not include students of all faiths and diverse denominations.
 
Without question, one’s faith is a great gift of God that must be respected and nourished. Students are encouraged to learn more about their own faith tradition, and to examine its doctrines and values in an academic, yet very personal way. They will also have opportunities to learn from one another and about other faith traditions, through programs like the Interfaith Roundtable, Bible Study, and “Conversations”.
                           
Fordham, precisely because it is a university in the Catholic and Jesuit traditions, abides by the principles of religious freedom. These protect the rights of individuals and groups to practice their own faith without fear of censure. The same principles protect individuals against any behavior by others that would openly or subtly coerce them through aggressive prosyletization. No one, Catholic or not, will be allowed to engage in such behavior at Fordham. We owe this much to our students — to safeguard their legitimate freedom.
 
While there may be some Campus Ministry activities, such as the Eucharist (Mass) or other “sacraments,” that you might feel uncomfortable with, there are many other activities — such as Interdenominational Protestant services, United Christian Fellowship programs, “Conversations” (topic based informal discussion groups), overnight or weekend retreats, Global Outreach projects, “Good Grief” (bereavement counseling) sessions, Christian Life Communities, inter-faith prayer services, and interdenominational Bible study – that are open to everyone. Please take a moment to browse through our Campus Ministry brochure to see what offerings appeal to you. You might also find on campus recognized organizations, like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes or Hillel, that can provide you with a faith community.

Off-Campus Opportunities for Worship

You will find an abundance of houses places of worship and ministers of all denominations, either within the neighborhood or just a short subway or bus ride away. All are very welcoming and responsive to your religious and spiritual needs. Campus Ministry has contacted a number of local churches, temples, mosques, and synagogues so that they will welcome our students. We have developed a listing of specific Houses of Worship and their schedules that are available below. For the most up-to-date listings, please click the "Local Houses of Worship" link on the left side of this page.