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Faith and Spirituality Services and Support
Religion, spirituality, faith and practice are unique to everyone. Laurier has the duty to accommodate your faith and spirituality needs based on creed under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Find resources related to multi-faith and spirituality such as:
- Multi-faith support, including prayer spaces and chaplains.
- Religious and spiritual accommodations, including religious holidays calendar.
- Affirming Faith and Spirituality Resources
- Muslim Student Associations
Multi-Faith Supports
The Multi-Faith Resource Team, which includes the university chaplains, is available to assist students, staff and faculty in their efforts to research or discuss ethical and theological issues. As Laurier is a place where students can enhance their own religious knowledge and be challenged by unfamiliar faith stances, the Resource Team is available to support people from all religious traditions.
Faith and Spirituality Spaces
Laurier provides inclusive spaces on campus for prayer, meditation, and quiet reflection. These rooms are open to all students, staff, and faculty, regardless of faith or spiritual practice.
Whether you are looking for a quiet space for reflection, a place for daily prayers, or a room for spiritual practices and rituals, Laurier is committed to creating welcoming and inclusive spaces for everyone.
NOTE: For the most up to date operational hours for buildings in which prayer spaces are located, refer to building hours page.
- Waterloo WAT Click this tab to view content pertaining to Waterloo
- Brantford BRANT Click this tab to view content pertaining to Brantford
- Milton M Click this tab to view content pertaining to Milton
- Kitchener K Click this tab to view content pertaining to Kitchener
Frank C Peters Building, Room P101
Operation Hours: Access available during building open hours which are 7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday or controlled access hours which are the same
Access: Drop-in
Washroom & Ablution (Wudu) Facility: Two Wudu stations available. Washrooms with multiple stalls are available in the same hallway.
Bricker Academic Building, Room BA103
Operation Hours: Access available during building open hours which are 7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday or controlled access hours which are the same
Access: Drop-in
Washroom & Ablution Facility: Washrooms with multiple stalls are available in the same hallway.
Martin Luther University College, Room MLU103
Operation Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am- 4:30pm- Unavailable on Thursdays
Access: Drop in except Thursdays. If the room is closed, ask assistance from Community Pastor, Anne. Her office is located on the 1st floor in the common area or from bottom level Administrative Office.
Washroom & Ablution Facility: Two Wudu stations available. The space includes three single-stall, all-gender washrooms, one of which is fully accessible.
Adjiwan Kaandossiwin Gamik Indigenous Student Centre
Location: 157 Albert St.
Capacity: 60 people (no bookable rooms)
Operation Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (OneCard access required)
Access: This space can be accessed only by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students enrolled at Wilfrid Laurier who have completed the self-identification process. For questions on how to complete self-identification, email ISCWaterloo@wlu.ca.
Carnegie Building, Room CB105
Operation Hours: Access available during building open hours of Monday to Friday 8:15 am to 4:30 am or controlled access hours Monday to Friday 7:30am to 12am and Saturday and Sunday 7:30 am to 10pm
Access: Drop in, Access Code of the room 1233
Washroom & Ablution Facility: None
Onkwehonwe:ne Indigenous Student Centre
Location: 111 Darling St.
Operation Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (after-hours access until 7:30 p.m. with OneCard)
Access: This space can be accessed only by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students enrolled at Wilfrid Laurier who have completed the self-identification process. For questions on how to complete self-identification, non-bookable space, contact: ISCBrantford@wlu.ca.
Laurier Milton Academic Centre, Room MAC-131
Operational Hours: Access available during building open hours of Monday to Thursday 8am to 4:30 pm or controlled access of Monday to Thursday from 7:30am to 9pm, Friday 10am to 4pm and no access on weekends.
Access: Drop in
Washroom & Ablution Facility: Accessible Washroom located in same hallway, MAC-136.
Faculty of Social Work, Room FSW321
Operation Hours: Access available during controlled access hours of Monday and Friday 8am to 5pm, Tuesday & Wednesday & Thursday 8am to 9pm, no access on weekends
Ablution Facility: None
Map Location
Anne Anderson is from a Christian background – specifically, she is a Lutheran pastor from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. She has been called to work at Martin Luther University College on Laurier’s Waterloo Campus and support the work of the Multi–Faith Office. She is a chaplain because she loves working with students and young people and encouraging them to think big and dream possibilities as they explore their faith. She is passionate about people and loves to listen, encourage and explore issues with the people around her.
As a university chaplain, Anderson facilitates the lending library for incoming students looking for household goods to borrow while they are at school, the St. Paddy’s Day alternative celebration on campus, a weekly worship on Sundays called thirdspace at the Keffer chapel, and fellowship, service and learning opportunities throughout the year. She is always up for a coffee and conversation.
Anderson's office hours at the Multi Faith Office are by appointment and she also has an office at Martin Luther University College, where she keeps open office hours Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in S139. Stop by and say hello or contact her at ananderson@wlu.ca or 519.884.0710 x3530.
Melissa Burmaster has a Masters of Divinity from Tyndale Seminary and is currently working on her ordination with the Christian Reformed Denomination for Spring of 2024. She is delighted to be in the role of Campus Pastor at Laurier and make herself available to walk alongside students exploring Christian faith and asking questions that sit at the crossroads of faith and academia. Her passions centre around contemplative spiritual practices, exploring the existential questions of life and learning how to live like Jesus in a complex world.
She is no stranger to Laurier Campus having completed business courses from ’94 —‘96 for her BMath in Business Information Systems from University of Waterloo. After her first degree, she married a Mechanical Engineer and settled in Cambridge. While raising her three children, she continued to take courses and completed a second bachelors in Education in 2013 and then her most recent Master’s in spring 2023. In her spare time, she enjoys nature hikes, gardening, quilting and word games like Scrabble, Wordle and Quordle.
Melissa is available by appointment Thursdays & Fridays at Laurier. She plans to be at the Laurier Chaplain’s office on Thursday mornings from 9:30 -11:30. Feel free to drop by and say hi, or get in touch with Melissa via email. She will gladly pick up the tab for coffee!
Paul Ellingham provides a open space in which to ask all kinds of questions – even if you need a little help figuring out what they are. He doesn't claim to have all the questions or answers but he'll walk with you through your search. Paul was on the Laurier campus as a student and has now been campus minister for over 25 years. He plays trombone with a number of music students on Fridays and fits office hours in around that time.
- Contact: paulellingham3@gmail.com.
Nelly Latchman is a first-generation Pastor who is living her wildest dreams. She has served in Young Adults ministry and Campus ministry since 2015 and since her "call to vocational ministry" moment, this age bracket of Post-Secondary-Young-Adulthood has had her heart. She is newly the Young Adults Pastor at Waterloo Pentecostal Assembly and has moved to KW after 8 years of being in Windsor, Ontario. While there she was a Young Adults Pastor, involved on campus at the University of Windsor running a Harm Reduction Program, and was also a part of the Chaplaincy Network there. She will be bringing that Harm Reduction program and her passion for post-secondary students here to serve the young adults of KW. She loves to drive, watch movies, and can usually be spotted with at least one beverage in hand.
At WPA (Waterloo Pentecostal Assembly, 395 King St N) Nelly leads a weekly YA group on Monday nights at 7pm. They meet to deepen their relationship with Christ and each other. She also provides leadership to "Dinner on King" a free dinner at the church on Thursday Nights for College and University Students throughout the semester. If you have questions about Faith, these programs she runs, or just want someone to hear you out, you can reach her via email at nelly@wpa.church.
One-on-one meetings over coffee or tea is one of Nelly's favourite things. She will fill office hours at the Multi-Faith Office sporadically through the school year, however, She is also available by appointment through her Calendly link.
Rabbi Moshe Goldman is a born and bred New Yorker who has called Waterloo home since 2008. He serves as the Jewish chaplain on Laurier's Multi-Faith Resource Team as well as at the University of Waterloo's Chaplains Association. He is happily married with seven children, and with his wife offers weekly Shabbat services and dinners as well as classes on Judaism and Jewish holiday celebrations at the Rohr Chabad Centre for Jewish Life, just up the block from the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics. He thoroughly enjoys the opportunities to provide support and guidance to students during their university years and beyond.
- Contact: rmg@jewishwaterloo.com.
Christopher is originally from Belle River Ontario. He serves as the Catholic Campus Minister for Laurier and has served the Catholic student community of Kitchener-Waterloo at the St. John Paul II Student Centre since 2022. He holds degrees in Philosophy and Theology from the University of Western Ontario, St. Peter’s Seminary, and the Catholic University of America. Christopher can often be found at the St. John Paul II Student Centre, behind St. Michael’s Parish on Hemlock Street. Drop by and visit if you need to talk, pray, relax with a game, or are looking to explore the faith more deeply.
- Contact: campusminister@jp2waterloo.ca
Fr. Christopher is originally from the West Coast. He has been an Orthodox priest since 2005. He is married with four kids and serves as the Orthodox chaplain at Laurier and the University of Waterloo as well as being the pastor of Christ the Saviour Antiochian Orthodox (English Language) Church in Waterloo. His hobbies and interests include reading and discussing fantasy and sci-fi, movies, gardening and camping. He is always ready to listen and offer helpful stories and lessons from ancient men and women that always apply to our day-to-day life.
- Contact: father@xcsaviour.com.
I am honoured to be a university chaplain and part of the Multi-faith Resource Team at Laurier. I have danced down the Asian end of “the spiritual ballroom” since I was thirty! I am a counselling psychologist in the Waterloo community http://christopherross.pro and have had a Buddhist spiritual practice for many years.
Currently I anchor a Buddhist Book Club that meets through a Zoom link every Tuesday from 7 to 9 pm (see attached description). In late August and February I organise a weekend meditation retreat, and connect with a colleague psychologist and meditator who organises a day-long retreat one Saturday in November and May.
I have taught courses in the psychology of religion in the Department of Religion over two decades, including the very popular course “Grief Loss and Death”. Now retired from full-time teaching, I work part-time at Martin Luther University College where I am an adjunct professor and co-teach “Mindfulness and Psychotherapy” with Dr. Mitra Barua the Buddhist scholar in residence there.
I am interested individualising meditative practices attuned to your needs, personality (see my book: Personality, religion and leadership, 2020), and current life situation. I am happy to inform you of aspects of Buddhist teachings and other practices that may enhance your experience of living on this precious planet that we share with so many sentient beings.
Office Hours (Winter Term)
Wednesdays, 1:30–3:00 p.m.
January 14 – April 1
January 14 – April 1
Room: 2C11
These sessions are available for conversations on topics such as:
-
Applying the Buddha’s teachings to everyday modern life
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Instruction in meditative practices attuned to individual needs and personality types
-
Other aspects of Buddhist teachings and practices that may enhance one’s experience of living and relating with all sentient beings on this planet
Lunchtime Multifaith Meditation Sessions (Winter Term)
Wednesday, January 21 – 12:05–12:50 pm
Wednesday, January 21 – 12:05–12:50 pm
Wednesday, February 11– 12:05–12:50 pm
Wednesday, March 11 – 12:05–12:50 pm
Wednesdays, April 1 - 12:05- 12:50pm
Buddhist Book Club
Tuesday evenings, 7:00–9:00 p.m. (ongoing)
Held via Zoom
Tuesday evenings, 7:00–9:00 p.m. (ongoing)
Held via Zoom
For more information, participants may contact Chris Ross directly at cross@wlu.ca.
Selda has been serving as a community Muslim Chaplain in Ottawa and Kitchener-Waterloo since 2001. As a Muslim spiritual guidance, Selda assists students, staff and faculty in their efforts to explore, research, and discuss theological issues and spirituality since 2015 at WLU. Selda is well connected with diverse Muslim community in KW and promotes social cohesion through her intra-faith and inter-faith collaborative works and projects.
Selda is teaching as a part time professor at Martin Luther University College. She is completing her PhD in Human Relationships and specializing in “Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy” stream as a “Spiritual-Therapist” and “Psycho-Therapist”.
As a professionally trained counsellor and chaplain, Selda provides a safe and open space for individuals and groups to support their spiritual growth and address their spiritual or spirituality related issues in a person-centered, holistic, and non judgmental-approach. Selda enjoys the opportunity to walk with the students, faculty, and staff members on their spiritual journey on campus and beyond. Selda has been running “Discussion Circles for Students” and “Muslim Women Empowerment Circle” on campus for students and community since 2015. Selda has received multiple awards since she has been in KW including the Coalition of Muslim Women, Women Who Inspire Award in INSPIRING LEADERSIP category (March 2017); Wilfrid Laurier University, The Community Psychology Award (April 2017); and Canada 150 Sesquicentennial Award in recognition of her “Outstanding Commitment to Service” (December 2017).
Please feel free to contact Selda to book an appointment and learn more about ongoing circles.
- Contact: ssezen@wlu.ca
Religious/Spiritual Accommodations
Wilfrid Laurier University is committed to respecting the religious beliefs and practices of all members of the university community and has a duty to provide accommodation based on creed (religion) under the Ontario Human Rights Code. This obligation requires the university to work with students to provide reasonable accommodation when a student’s religious observances or spiritual beliefs creates a conflict with their academic schedule and subsequent ability to meet the academic requirements of the course as presented in the course outline.
Developing accommodations is a shared responsibility. Students need to work with their instructors and university staff to address accommodation requirements.
Request accommodation due to a religious or spiritual observance.
Affirming Faith and Spirituality Resources
Faith and spirituality can be important parts of identity, community and belonging. The resources below may help 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff and faculty find communities, programs and educational materials that affirm diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Resources include local, Canadian and international organizations. Programs and availability may change, so contact an organization directly before attending or sharing personal information.
Grand River Unitarian Congregation Kitchener | In person
A Kitchener congregation and certified Welcoming Congregation with a public commitment to 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion.
Knox Waterloo Waterloo | In person
An affirming Presbyterian congregation in Uptown Waterloo that welcomes 2SLGBTQIA+ people in worship and community life.
Oasis United Church Waterloo | In person
An affirming Waterloo congregation with 2SLGBTQIA+ community information and inclusive programming.
Christianity
Affirm United / S'affirmer Ensemble Canada | Directory and education
A Canadian network with an affirming-ministry directory and resources for faith communities working toward full inclusion.
Affirmation, LGBTQ Mormons, Families and Friends Online and international | Community
An international network for LGBTQIA+ people connected to Latter-day Saint communities, with groups, events and faith-journey resources.
Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests Online and United States | Community and education
Community, support groups, worship resources and education for LGBTQIA+ people connected to Mennonite and Church of the Brethren traditions.
Dignity Canada Dignité Canada | Community and advocacy
A Canadian Roman Catholic organization supporting the dignity and inclusion of sexual and gender minorities.
GayChurch.org Online and international | Directory
A searchable directory of Christian congregations that publicly identify as affirming.
Q Christian Fellowship Online and North America | Community and education
Community groups, events and educational resources for LGBTQIA+ Christians and allies from varied theological backgrounds.
Judaism
Keshet Online and United States | Directory and education
An organization advancing LGBTQIA+ equality in Jewish life, with an equality directory, learning resources and events.
Eshel Online and United States | Community and education
Programs, peer groups and resources supporting LGBTQIA+ people and families in Orthodox Jewish communities.
Jewish Queer Youth Online and United States | Youth and young adults
Programs, online groups and campus resources for Jewish queer teens and young adults, particularly those from Orthodox homes.
Islam
Queer Muslim Network Canada | Community and education
A Canadian organization creating community, learning and advocacy spaces for queer and trans Muslims and allies.
Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity Online and United States | Community
A Muslim-led organization offering community programs, arts, learning and peer connection for LGBTQIA+ Muslims and people perceived as Muslim.
Muslims for Progressive Values Online and international | Community and education
An international network supporting inclusive Muslim communities, educational resources and progressive interpretations of Islam.
Ismaili Queers Online and international | Community archive
An independent online community and archive created by LGBTQIA+ Ismailis and allies.
Buddhism
Rainbodhi Online and international | Community and practice
An international LGBTQIA+ Buddhist community offering meditation, talks, resources and online gatherings.
TransBuddhists Online and international | Education
A resource hub focused on transgender inclusion and competence in Buddhist communities.
True North Insight Montreal and online | Community and practice
A Canadian insight-meditation community that offers online and in-person programming, including a Queer Sangha.
Plum Village Rainbow Family Online and international | Practice and reflection
Reflections and community information for LGBTQIA+ practitioners within the Plum Village mindfulness tradition.
Hindu and Desi communities
GALVA-108 Online and international | Community and education
Information and online community for LGBTQIA+ Vaishnavas and Hindus, with a focus on inclusion and Vedic perspectives on gender diversity.
Queer Hindu Alliance Online | Community
A community-led social platform sharing affirming perspectives and connection for queer Hindus and allies.
Desi Rainbow Parents and Allies Online and North America | Community and family support
Peer support, family programs and faith-and-family resources for South Asian LGBTQIA+ people and their families in North America.
Sikh communities
Sarbat Online and United Kingdom | Community and education
A Sikh LGBTQIA+ network offering awareness, support, events and faith resources.
Queer Sikh Network Online | Community and education
A community resource connecting queer and trans Sikhs with information related to well-being, identity and Sikhi.
Sher Vancouver Metro Vancouver | Community
A Metro Vancouver charity serving LGBTQIA+ South Asian communities through social, cultural and community programs.
Multi-faith and educational resources
Beloved Arise Online and North America | Youth and education
A multi-faith organization offering community and educational resources for LGBTQIA+ young people of faith.
Rainbow Faith and Freedom Canada and international | Education and advocacy
A Canadian-founded organization working across faith traditions to address religious-based discrimination and expand affirming communities.
Open Circle Network Online and United States | Interfaith gatherings
A Baha'i-rooted, interfaith network offering facilitated gatherings on sexuality, gender, mental health and other personal or community challenges.
Egale Canada Canada | Education
Canadian research, education and resources on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, including material related to faith and community belonging.
These third-party resources are shared for information and are not operated by Wilfrid Laurier University. Inclusion on this page does not constitute endorsement. Services, eligibility and availability may change. Contact an organization directly to confirm current information. To report an outdated or inaccessible resource, contact CSEDI at diversity@wlu.ca.
Muslim Students Association (MSA)
The Muslim Students' Association (MSA) is a student-run organization that provides a safer space for Muslim students and students interested in the Muslim faith to connect and interact with Islam.
Our intention is twofold:
- We wish to create a space where Muslim students can come together and strengthen their communal ties based upon their faith; and
- We wish to build a space where Muslims and non-Muslims can come together, learn from one another, and appreciate one another as human beings.
The MSA does this through running a varied set of events throughout the academic year. Many of these events are in collaboration with different cultural and ideological student-run organizations on and off the Waterloo campus. We also intend to grow by connecting with individuals that have prominent roles in society; this will allow us to combat the negative image of Muslims created through the media, and it will allow us to partake in the vital communal aid aspect of Islam.
Connect With Us
Email: msa@wlu.ca
Facebook: Muslim Students' Association (Waterloo)
Instagram: @wlumsa
LinkedIn: Muslim Students' Association (Waterloo)
The Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) in Brantford is seeks to empower all students to become informed citizens of the global community and to challenge the Islamophobic narrative of Islam in Western society through various initiatives, events, campaigns, and workshops.
Our Programs
- General Meetings: Held once a week, these meetings are to inform members and others of the activities MSA Brantford will be hosting throughout the month.
- Syrian Refugee Program: Coming soon.
- Eid: Celebrated after the month of Ramadan, this event is an opportunity for Muslim students and allies to come together as a community. This event includes a potluck, music and activities.
- Bingo Night: Held once a term, bingo night is a fun night for all students to get together and take a break from studying/exam stress.
- Let’s Talk Over Coffee: Held once a term, this coffee house event allows for Muslim students and allies to have meaningful conversations about the Muslim faith, diversity and allyship.
Ways to Get Involved
If you identify with our cause, you should become a member. To become a member of the MSA Brantford, you must commit to attending a predetermined number of events and/or meetings throughout the year. Membership in MSA Brantford allows you to get involved in leadership roles and you will be eligible to list MSA Brantford involvement on your Experience Record.
Get involved by attending one of our meetings or email msawlu.br@gmail.com for more information.
Connect With Us
Email: msawlu.br@gmail.com
Facebook: Laurier Brantford Muslim Students' Association
Instagram: @msabrantford
LinkedIn: Laurier Brantford Muslim Students' Association
Learn More About Us
Our mission is to create safer spaces on campus where Muslim students can grow in their faith as well as raise awareness and implement programming surrounding issues and injustices faced by Muslim peoples. The MSA Brantford also organizes social events to create a positive atmosphere for Muslim students to establish a sense of belonging and community.
Our vision is to foster an inclusive community for Muslim students, promote spiritual growth through the teachings of Islam, and bring awareness of social issues surrounding the Muslim community.
Values
- non-hierarchical
- anti-oppression
- community
- spirituality
- support
- growth
- inclusion
- empowerment
- global awareness
- environmentalism
- philanthropy