Today I learned for the first time that Mac is Presbyterian-affiliated. I had no idea of this and never would have guessed that such a liberal school would have a religious affiliation. It doesn’t make a lot of sense. So my question is, does this religious affiliation have any kind of presence at Mac? Or is it just one of those things that existed when the school was founded but isn’t really at all relevant anymore? I’m Jewish and very liberal, so I would hate to be surrounded by devout Christians.
Not an expert, but I wouldn’t worry. Historically the school has ties to the church, but there certainly isn’t any requited chapel or religious study. The Jewish kids I know haven’t had any issues with being surrounded by devout members of other groups. If I recall correctly, there is a building that all religions share on campus?
The historical link isn’t unusual. I am trying to think of a school that isn’t a state U that doesn’t have ties to a religion—maybe one of the newer ones like High Point?
Here’s the covenant between the Presbyterian church and Macalester: http://www.macalester.edu/religiouslife/about/
There is a multifaith chapel on campus, a Center for Religious and Spiritual Life (which has a Jewish chaplain), and regular services in a varietty of faith traditions, but it is also the diverse, secular, liberal place that (I imagine) you thought it was.
Hello all!
Here is some history: “From the beginning, Macalester’s leaders decided that the College should be nonsectarian in its instruction and attitudes. Their belief that the campus is a place to foster spiritual growth among people of many religions takes shape in the variety of religious offerings at the College. Macalester’s full-time chaplain is an ordained Presbyterian minister. In addition, associate chaplains currently represent the Catholic and Jewish faiths. Ecumenical worship services are held regularly in the beautiful Weyerhaeuser Memorial Chapel on the campus.
I assure you that many faiths are represented on campus and there are opportunities to share religious celebrations with others. Here are some of the related student orgs.
http://www.macalester.edu/religiouslife/studentreligiousgroups/studentorganizations/
Macalester is effectively completely secular, additionally the chapel is multi-faith, and has an on Staff Rabbi and Imam.