Interfaith Honor Society

Program Description

The Interfaith Honor Society encourages student exploration of the faiths of others in light of the student’s own religious identity both in and beyond the classroom. Certification is awarded once program requirements are met. Completion may occur at any point during a student’s enrollment at Lebanon Valley College.

Program Coordinators

Matthew Sayers, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Religion

sayers@lvc.edu

717-867-6133

          

Program Requirements

To be completed in the course of one’s time as an LVC student, not necessarily within the course of a single academic year.

• Discuss interest in the program with a certification coordinator.
• Submit application to the Interfaith Certification Program.
• Participate in eight interfaith opportunities at LVC. 
• Submit reflections for eight LVC-sponsored interfaith opportunities (provided at events).
• Complete one approved course within the Department of Religion and Philosophy.
• Summarize and reflect upon a short, scholarly article in conversation with a certification coordinator.
• Write a concluding reflection on the personal impact of your involvement in the program.

 

Program Benefits

Upon completion, the student will receive a formal certificate as well as special interfaith prize/award at the annual Student Affairs Dessert Banquet. Recipients are:

• noted on the student’s LVC Job Center Profile, 
• listed on the LVC Web site,
• honored in LVC’s printed Commencement Program upon the graduation.

 

Interfaith Opportunities at LVC

• Sustained Interfaith Dialogues
• IFYC’s Interfaith Leadership Institute (equivalent to three certification programs; financial aid available)
• Scheduled tours of local houses of worship
• Scheduled trips to local worship experiences
• Interfaith Service Projects

 

Approved Interfaith Courses

• REL 120: Religion in America
  A study of the origin and development of religious expression in America with special emphasis on issues of religious diversity. 
• REL 140: Encountering World Religions
  Examines the beliefs and practices of major religious traditions and movements. 
• REL 202: Comparative Scriptures
  Familiarizes students with a variety of religious texts from several religious traditions.

 

Select Partnership Congregations

Hart Temple	301 Steigerwalt Hollow Rd	New Cumberland, PA 17070	717-774-7750
Blue Mountain Lotus Society	6496 Jonestown Rd	Harrisburg, PA 17012	717-671-5057
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church	125 Spruce St	Annville, PA 17003	717-867-7471
Congregation Beth Israel	411 S 8th St	Lebanon, PA 17042	717-273-2669
Lebanon Valley Mosque	1300 Florence St	Lebanon, PA 17042	717-273-5423
First United Methodist Church	520 East Birch St	Palmyra, PA 17078	717-838-2551
Christ Church UCC	200 S. White Oak St	Annville, PA 17003	717-867-1641
Pennsylvania Non-believers	P.O. Box 702	York, PA 17405	717-467-1266