Image of Back from left: The Rev'd James Crockford, Dr Paul Dominiak, Stuart Websdale, Dr Findlay Stark. Front, from left: Reem Mundher Aziz Abbas, Sonita Alleyne OBE, Esther Anthony-Ajileye, Haajrah Ashraf

New multi-faith space open for use

A multi-faith space in Library Court, Stair I, is now available to all current students, Fellows, and staff.

The room has been set up to provide a safe, clean, and inclusive space for worship, celebration, or meditation across all faith traditions and for those who do not identify with any religion. It is also accessible in certain circumstances to non-members of the College.

It is a ‘neutral’ space which can be used by people of all faith groups, and none. It could be used as a quiet space for people to sit and contemplate, to pray, to take a few moments to de-stress from a busy day, or to recover from a traumatic life event. It can also be booked for specific acts of group worship within a particular faith tradition.

Stuart Websdale, the College’s Domestic Bursar, said: “Jesus College is enriched by the social and cultural diversity of its students, Fellows, staff, and visitors, and is committed to creating a collegiate environment characterised by diversity and mutual understanding. The Multi-faith Space is a valuable addition to the College, and reflects the open and welcoming nature of the College as a whole. I hope that this newly created space will provide a safe and comfortable area for any and all members of the College.”

Student Reem Mundher Aziz Abbas said: “The creation of this Multi-faith Space is indubitably a step in the right direction. The College has worked closely with its student body to cater the multi-faith space to as many religious needs as possible and as a result we have a carefully considered space in which grand and minute details were taken into consideration. The College has also been – and I imagine will continue to be – open to improvements and suggestions put forward by its student body, fostering a beautiful sense of acceptance, patience, and conviviality.”

All current students, Fellows, staff have an equal right of access. Opening times mirror the Chapel, with out of hours access available via the Porters.

For a group booking of any one particular faith, please pre-book the space on the College intranet.