Revd Dr Trystan Owain Hughes with visitors to the Religion Cafe
A vibrant new inter-faith initiative is giving staff and students the chance to meet each other and find out more about the rich variety of religions represented in Cardiff University’s diverse multi-cultural community.
Described as one of the most exciting ventures at the Chaplaincy to date, the Religion Café is a new project championed by the Revd Dr Trystan Owain Hughes, Anglican Chaplain at the University.
The Café meets twice a semester and gives staff and students the chance to learn about the beliefs and religious practices of their colleagues in a friendly and informal environment.
More than 60 people have attended meetings in the past with discussions on topics such as prayer and meditation, places of worship and holy books and sacred texts.
Revd Dr Trystan Owain Hughes said: “Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is supported by all the main student religious societies, including the Islamic Society, the Christian Union, the Catholic Society, the Jewish Society, and the Baha’i society. Many Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Bah’ai, Jewish, and Buddhist students – and also staff – have come to the Cafe, to meet over refreshments and to discuss their beliefs and their practices. Plenty of non-religious staff and students also come, to widen their knowledge about the world faiths.”
Ben Lewis, Head of Student Advisory Services at the University said: “This exciting initiative has provided an opportunity for staff and students to meet and learn about each other and different perspectives on the world we live in. The University is really pleased about the Chaplaincy taking the initiative and establishing this important cross-cultural venture and appreciates Dr Hughes’ ongoing work to create a vibrant chaplaincy for all our students.”
The Café has a thriving Facebook page with almost 100 members using the site to share information and events and to discuss topics they’d like to see covered at the Café meetings.
