This past weekend, Butler University students had the opportunity to attend the Interfaith Youth Core Conference in Washington, D.C.
The conference took place Oct. 22-24 at the Interfaith Youth Core Conference’s Student Leadership Institute.
Sophomore Ryan Anderson and junior Brendan Quinn were joined by faculty mentor Mark Fogelsong.
According to its Web site, ifyc.org, IFYC “aims to introduce a new relationship, one that is about mutual respect and religious pluralism.”
Students involved in the movement are provided with leadership training and are encouraged to use their skills and experience to better the interfaith dialogue in their communities.
Anderson explained the process in terms of how the conference benefits Butler’s Interfaith efforts.
“This conference will help our organization with communication skills, organization and networking with campuses across Indianapolis,” he said.
Anderson said they talked a lot about finding ways to expand the IFYC movement on Butler’s campus.
“I am thrilled that [Quinn], [Anderson] and their mentor, Foglesong, represented Butler in Washington, D.C.,” Judith Cebula, director of the Center for Faith and Vocation said. “They are back on campus with some great new energy and ideas about mobilizing students for interfaith action.”
Cebula said the IFYC would benefit students interested in pursuing interfaith projects.
“IFYC encouraged [us to] utilize social networking, student organizations, campus allies and publications to increase interest in the Interfaith movement,” Anderson said.
Anderson said he worked closely with students from IUPUI, Franklin College and University of Indianapolis and was also able to network with students from across the nation via the internet.
“I really enjoyed talking with people interested in the Interfaith movement across the country,” Anderson said. “I met people from California, South Carolina and even Duke University.”
Cebula said she has high hopes for the future of the IFYC movement and its ability to make a difference on campus.
“The goal here is to bring these demensions of students’ lives together in interfaith service,” Cebula said. “The Center for Faith and Vocation has been interested for a long time in fostering interfaith conversation and understanding.
“Now, with the ideals of IFYC, it appears we have a strong system to plug into to make it happen.”
