Hendricks Chapel seeks undergraduate applicants for interfaith travel study experience to Turkey

Hendricks Chapel seeks undergraduate applicants for interfaith travel study experience to TurkeyApril 06, 2006Kelly Homan Rodoskikahoman@syr.edu

Hendricks Chapel is currently accepting applications for “Three Faiths, One Humanity: An Interfaith Travel Study Experience to Turkey,” which will take place during Spring Break 2007.

The chapel is seeking 21 Syracuse University and State College of Environmental Science and Forestry undergraduate students–seven each from the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faith traditions–to participate in the experience. Applications are available in the Office of the Dean, located in the lower level of Hendricks Chapel. The application deadline is April 21. For more information, call the chapel at 443-2901.

As part of the experience, students will participate in an eight-week, non-credit course on the history of the region and the three traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam and in interfaith dialogue.

During the trip, participants will visit places such as Hagia Sophia, which has Christian and Muslim elements; Sulemaniye Mosque, which includes surrounding charitable hospitals and kitchens that served the Jewish, Muslim and Christian poor of the city; and Topkapi Palace, which represents the lavish lifestyle of the Sultan but also includes relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Students will visit other churches, mosques, synagogues and holy places, and also meet with local interfaith and student groups and families.

After the trip, student participants will share what they have learned with the University and greater communities through classes, public forums and other venues.

The Rev. Thomas V. Wolfe, dean of Hendricks Chapel, says the experience is intended to increase interfaith awareness and understanding by “putting a human face on the issues of how diverse faith communities have historically shared and continue to share life together.

“On campus and beyond, we hope our experience will increase awareness of the three faith traditions’ contemporary issues and spark renewed dialogue toward understanding and cooperation,” Wolfe says. “We believe working together to become a people of faith and model increased understanding has the potential to make a human statement about living in a religiously diverse world. We expect students will bring home their learning and become agents of transformation in Syracuse and other communities.”

This is the second interfaith study/travel opportunity Hendricks Chapel has offered; an interfaith group traveled to Spain in 2003 for a similar experience.