Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Programs

The University Chaplain provides leadership, oversight, and guidance for the University’s religious life including Christian ministries, interfaith work, as well as the programs, partnerships, and co-curricular initiatives of the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Programs. This work advances the University of Indianapolis’ commitment to a relevant and innovative education that champions lifelong learning through experiential learning, diverse perspectives, and a global mindset. In partnership with campus and community stakeholders, the Chaplain guides programs and initiatives that support students’ spiritual development, encourage meaningful engagement across religious and worldview differences, and foster a campus environment marked by reflection, belonging, and mutual respect. This work is informed by the University’s historic relationship with the United Methodist Church and its ongoing commitment to serving a diverse academic community.

In addition, this office administers Christian Vocations curricular programs offered through the Lantz Center for Christian Vocation and shares responsibility with the Department of Philosophy and Religion for collaborative initiatives in theological education. Guided by an ecumenical commitment, the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Programs embraces and engages the richness of diverse Christian perspectives and denominational traditions, fostering learning, dialogue, and formation across lines of difference. The Office also partners with other divisions of the University to advance the institution’s commitment to education for service through initiatives that support the formation of students, faculty, and staff and contribute to the mission and identity of this church-related, comprehensive University.

The campus ministries staff is composed of the University Chaplain and the Assistant Director of the Lantz Center, who are responsible for the religious life programming as well as pastoral presence on campus. The University Chaplain also directs the Lantz Center's Christian formation programs for university students. Both the University Chaplain and the Assistant Director of the Lantz Center extend the reach of the formation and other relevant programming to members of the broader Indianapolis community through a variety of meaningful events and initiatives.

Ecumenical and interfaith programs are developed in conversation with faculty and students alike. The University Chaplain cares for the university community with the assistance of representatives from ministries that are campus-based as well as those that represent off-campus agencies and religious communities. This office also oversees the development of short-term and long-term ecumenical and interfaith partnerships in the city of Indianapolis and beyond.

The University Chaplain provides ongoing interpretation of the University’s relationship with the United Methodist Church and coordinates the relationships between various offices of the University and the church.