Connections Quarterly Winter 2018 - World Religions | Page 15

C H APE L A N D THE N O N - RE L I GI O U S
there’s a near universal respect for the best
of what religion offers and an interest in the
concept of belief itself.
“The fact remains that within
Chapel programs, there is a
growing population of indi-
viduals who don’t connect
with traditional Christian lan-
guage, liturgy, and assump-
tions about belief... We can
welcome the non-religious
as ‘honoured guests’ without
altering the traditional
approach or we can expand
the conversation to include
respect for other traditions.”
Of course, some non-believers are not re-
spectful or thoughtful in their approach,
just as some religious folk are narrow in
their perceptions.
The fact remains that within Chapel pro-
grams, there is a growing population of in-
dividuals who don’t connect with traditional
Christian language, liturgy, and assumptions
about belief. This leaves a choice, one that’s
been made before. We can welcome the
non-religious as ‘honoured guests’ without
altering the traditional approach or we can
expand the conversation to include respect
for other traditions.
to 24% in 2011. My home province, British
Columbia, sits at 44%. Given this context,
it’s not surprising that my school has had to
give consideration to this issue. We’ve come
to the point of making public statements
about Chapel’s purpose, tying into the lan-
guage of ‘promise’ found in our vision.
These discussions will be challenging, per-
haps more so than the ones that led to the
fuller inclusion of other faith traditions. We’ll
need to navigate and negotiate deeply held
convictions, including our own. Yet, 20 years
from now, perhaps the majority of indepen-
dent schools will affirm that such a shift has
created a more relevant and meaningful
experience for students of all variations of
faith—another net gain for all.
If Chapel didn’t exist at the school, we
would need to invent it. Every community
that strives to be intentional in its work
requires a time and place to gather as a
whole. Especially in the context of cultural,
economic, and geographical diversity, we
need regular reminders of our common as-
pirations and foibles, along with the values
that hold us together. Each time we give
How this process unfolds will depend on
our various schools, their cultures, and their
emerging demographics, both within and
beyond our walls. Here in Canada, the popu-
lation claiming ‘no religious affiliation’ has
grown from less than one percent in 1971
Continues on page 14
CSEE Connections

Winter 2018
Page 13