GUILDFORD - 28 November 2007 - 210 words
Surrey University to open multi-faith centre
The University of Surrey has received planning permission for a purpose-built Multi-Faith Centre on its Guildford campus. Open to all students and staff in its multi-cultural and multi-faith community. Believed to be the first of its kind to have such a broad scope, the Centre will house distinct spaces for six world faith communities within a single building.
The Multi-Faith Centre will create a base for the University Chaplaincy and will enable the further development of its inter-faith programmes. The Centre will contain dedicated space for Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh communities, together with open space for the practices of Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The design of the building will emphasise respect for difference and create the possibility of bridge-building and dialogue across cultural and religious divides. A meeting space and café will be set at the heart of the building and will provide space for coffee, conversation and encounter.
The Multi-Faith Centre project is the latest in a number of initiatives led by the University's Multi-Faith Chaplaincy. The Centre will cost £6m and will be financed by a fundraising appeal with completion due in 2010.
The centre has also been welcomed by all the chaplains.
John McCarthy, Catholic Chaplain said: "This is great news. We can now move forward to provide a place where people of all faiths and cultures can gather, be fully themselves, and grow in understanding of the beliefs and values of others."
Endorsing the project, Alex Goldberg, Jewish Chaplain at the University of Surrey said: "The project will enable both the University and Guildford to be seen as leading the way in innovative solutions to issues of community relations, cohesion and integration which are of importance to us all."
Dr Abdul Mateen Sansom, Muslim Chaplain added: "As well as being a sorely needed practical solution to student needs, I believe the design and underpinning ethos of this project have potential for notable impact nationally and internationally."
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