Religious Life

In 1833, when Allegheny College chose to affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal Church, the College and the Church agreed that:

"The institution shall be conducted, as the charter requires, on liberal principles, no person having any advantage, nor being subjected to any disadvantage, on account to his/her religious views."

Religious life at Allegheny is voluntary, as it should be. Our continuing affiliation with the United Methodist Church underscores the importance of free will and intellectual pursuit in matters of faith. Allegheny believes in educating the whole person: body, mind and spirit.

The Office of Religious Life, located in Reis Hall, exists to serve the spiritual and pastoral needs of the campus community. As a participant in the intellectual life of the College, Religious Life encourages all members of the campus community to explore the integral relationship between faith and learning. Such an endeavor recalls Charles Wesley's admonition that we seek to "unite the two so long disjoined: knowledge and vital piety."

The College Chaplain is available to the campus community for pastoral counseling, bereavement counseling, spiritual guidance and programming related to religious and spiritual life in the midst of academe. The Chaplain also works to nurture the relationship between Allegheny and the United Methodist Church. Students considering church-related vocations are invited to make use of the collection of seminary and graduate school catalogues maintained in the office. Persons of all religious backgrounds, or of no particular faith tradition are invited to avail themselves of the services of the Office of Religious Life.

Allegheny College offers students a variety of opportunities to express religious faith and commitment. Allegheny has an historic relationship with the United Methodist Church but is itself ecumenical and nonsectarian in practice and outlook. Under the aegis of Allegheny Religious Life, a variety of activities, reflecting a range of theological views, occur on campus. Each Sunday of the academic year, an Ecumenical Chapel service and a Roman Catholic Mass are celebrated in Ford Memorial Chapel—with students playing a central role. On religious holy days and other special occasions, ecumenical and interfaith services are conducted as well.

Student religious groups provide opportunities for fellowship and outreach. The churches of Meadville welcome Allegheny students and a number of area pastors assist in ecumenical observances on campus.