Welcome to the Religious Life program at Franklin College! Religious Life seeks to be a resource for students, faculty, and staff of all religious and non-religious backgrounds. Students are invited to develop their spiritual lives in many ways during their time at Franklin College through opportunities like services for Christian holidays, inter-religious dialogue, small spirituality groups, religious music, service, and individual spiritual support.
Religious Life at Franklin College
Religious Life welcomes all Franklin College students and strives to create a safe environment for students to put into practice the beliefs of their many religious traditions. Opportunities are also available for students who may be exploring their spiritual lives for the first time. Students who desire additional programs and services are invited to set up a meeting with the college chaplain.
Please take some time to explore our website. If you are a Franklin College student, please consider using the “Get Connected” page to express your interest in any of our programs. If you are a prospective student interested in becoming involved in Religious Life at Franklin College, feel free to contact our Student Success team for more information. They can be reached by e-mail at studentsuccess@FranklinCollege.edu.
FC students, faculty, and staff may also request to be added to the Religious Life mailing list to receive a periodic e-mail detailing Religious Life activities.
Interfaith Understanding Through the Arts and Humanities
The annual series aims to bridge understanding of the world’s religions by highlighting the differences and similarities of various faith traditions through artistic expressions rooted in the arts and humanities.
Religious Life FAQs
Have questions about faith, the role of religion at Franklin College or whether there’s a place for you in Religious Life regardless of your faith background? We’ve got the answers to those and other frequently asked questions.
I heard that Franklin College maintains “a voluntary affiliation” with the American Baptist Churches USA. What does that mean?
Franklin College was founded in 1834 by Baptists who sought to serve by increasing educational opportunities on the American frontier. Franklin College remains in relationship with the American Baptist Churches USA and with local American Baptist congregations. The Religious Life program values many of the same things as our Baptist founders, including religious liberty, critical inquiry, and individual responsibility for spiritual growth. With these values in mind, we do not expect that all students who attend Franklin College have identical religious and spiritual values. Instead, we hope that all students, regardless of religious or nonreligious background, will take seriously the prospect of spiritual growth during their time at Franklin.
I do not come from a religious background and I’m not sure what I believe. Is the Religious Life program relevant to my college experience?
Yes! Religious Life welcomes all students, including those who may be considering their spiritual lives for the first time. You are welcome to learn about a variety of religious and nonreligious traditions through Religious Life programming. All Religious Life programs are optional and you will not be asked to participate in any activity beyond your comfort level.
What is a chaplain, and why might I connect with one?
A chaplain is a religious leader who is trained and committed to supporting people of any or no religious background. While a minister provides guidance in a specific religious tradition, chaplains provide spiritual support for individuals in their respective spiritual journeys. This includes care during times of crisis, celebration, decision-making, and every part of life that connects to one’s faith, spirituality, and values. Anyone on campus can schedule a confidential meeting with the chaplain and expect to receive nonjudgmental support.
I am not Christian. Is there a place for me in the Religious Life program?
Absolutely! The Religious Life program seeks to serve students of all faith and non-faith backgrounds. Students of any tradition are welcome to create and participate in tradition-specific programming, as well as to engage in the Religious Life’s many opportunities for interreligious dialogue. The chaplain is happy to assist students in making sure that dietary and ritual needs are met and to introduce students to appropriate religious communities on and off campus.
What is the relationship between Religious Life and a major or minor in Religious Studies?
Students do not need to be involved with Religious Studies to participate in the Religious Life program. However, the Religious Life program works closely with the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies and seeks to support students who do engage in the academic study of religion. Students are encouraged to undertake thoughtful and critical inquiries of religious texts and traditions and to speak with the chaplain if they feel that this kind of study presents a challenge to their personal and faith lives. Religious Life can also assist students who are considering religious leadership as a career path.
What is the Religious Life Team?
The Religious Life Team is a group of students from a variety of backgrounds who provide leadership in the Religious Life program. All students are welcome to join this group if they are committed to supporting Religious Life programming. Interested students should contact the Student Success team at studentsuccess@FranklinCollege.edu.
What does Religious Life offer beside events and programs?
Students are welcome to use space in the Richardson Chapel when it is not reserved. The sanctuary and prayer room are available for quiet prayer and meditation and the second floor lounge is a place of peace and quiet conversation or study.