By Jade Eilers, ’25

My time serving as the Interfaith Council has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in college. This year has been challenging, given everything that’s happened and is continuing to happen in the world. My goal was to foster an environment where people feel respected and safe. A place where people could ask questions without judgment and be vulnerable sharing their lived experiences. During my time interning at the Compass Center, I have felt encouraged to be creative and ask meaningful questions.

Over the duration of my year, my passion project has been that of combining LGBTQ+ and Religion. I have observed that at Butler, there is a space for LGBTQ+ students and a space for religious students, but no space for the intersectionality of those two identities. I made it my mission to collaborate with Alliance in any way possible. I held several meetings talking about LGBTQ+ in religion and even had a collaborative meeting with Alliance. I, with the help of the council, was able to put together a LGBTQ+ and Religion resource guide with affirming resources, in a variety of media, for many of the major religions and secular beliefs on campus. 

I couldn’t have been able to lead such a successful year of Interfaith Council without the guidance of the Compass Center staff members. Specifically, I would like to thank Daniel Meyers for his constant support and wisdom he’s provided me with for this past year. Also, a huge thank you to Marguerite Stanciu for coming to speak at an Interfaith Council meeting on the Shambhala tradition in Buddhism. I will never forget my time leading the Interfaith Council, and I wish the best of luck to the new Interfaith Council Chair!