Faith service grows from humble start
MADE up of a dedicated team of chaplains, the USQ Multi-Faith Service has spent a decade providing guidance and resources to staff and students of the university.
From humble beginnings with a volunteer chaplain at the coffee shop, the service has grown to be a thriving Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Centre, offering support, a listening ear, spiritual advice, prayer, and more.
Now, 10 chaplains are based across USQ’s three campuses, representing faiths such as Buddhism, Baha’i, Islam and Christianity.
An anniversary event was held at the USQ Toowoomba refectory on June 20, inviting all to celebrate the milestone and learn more about the service.
Chaplain coordinator Evan Reichelt said USQ recognised the diversity of religious beliefs represented among its students and staff, and respected the importance of spirituality to good health and wellbeing.
“Our team respects the integrity of different faith traditions and seeks affinity with aspects of more than one religion, philosophy or world-view, believing that none is superior to another,” he said.
Mr Reichelt acknowledged the importance of those who helped establish the service, including Dr Krzysztof Batorowicz, Laura Black, Professor Ken Stott, Jane Farmer, Christie White, Laura Chandler, and William Conwell.
Faith unites at USQ The USQ Multi-Faith Service is part of USQ Student Services which offers a variety of supports for domestic and international students.
Learn more about the USQ Multi-Faith Service by visiting www.usq.edu.au/multifaith