Emory University Chaplaincy Recap: Interim President Justice Leah Ward Sears Visits the Inter-Religious Council (IRC)

On Monday, February 23, 2026, the Emory Inter-Religious Council enjoyed a visit from our Interim University President, Justice Leah Ward Sears, where she joined in an interfaith dialogue centered on holidays and holy days. Since 1992, the Emory IRC’s mission has been to build and sustain a healthy, religiously pluralistic campus climate by networking our many religious communities, growing in religious literacy and interfaith leadership skills, and serving the larger campus and community through interfaith initiatives and programs.

Learn more about the IRC here.

On Saturday, February 21, Emory Buddhist Chaplain Ven. Priya Rakkhit Sraman taught at the Georgia Buddhist Camp at Wat Lao Buddha Khanti. For 13 years, this camp has brought together dedicated monastics and practitioners who help to strengthen Buddhism in Georgia. The 2026 theme was The Joy of Kindness--and kindness was not just spoken of but practiced in stillness, listening, and shared community. 

On Thursday, February 26, over 60 Emory community members enjoyed a lunchtime book talk with Fr. Francis X. Clooney, Parkman Professor of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School, in which he talked about his journey and new book Hindu and Catholic, Priest and Scholar: A Love Story. Drawing on his decades of work across Christian and Hindu traditions, Clooney's memoir reflects on his personal faith, interreligious study, and immersive engagement with the Hindu tradition as a Jesuit priest. 

The event was sponsored by the Emory University Chaplaincy with the Aquinas Center of Theology, Department of Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies, Department of Religion, and the Hindu Students Association. 

On Thursday, February 26, the Emory University Chaplaincy co-hosted the weekly Community Recess at Emory Law School with several law school religious student organizations. We enjoyed the time to take a break with law students and offer resources on multifaith spiritual life at Emory. 

Looking for a Lenten practice? Drop in to Cannon Chapel 106 on Wednesdays between noon-1:00 pm for a labyrinth walk. No experience with labyrinths is necessary. If you’re unfamiliar with this practice, Rev. Maddie will be present to offer guidance and have suggestions for how to walk the labyrinth. For those who are familiar, take this opportunity to have a meditative moment during this holy season. 

If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Emory's Christian Chaplain, Rev. Maddie Herlong, at mhend25@emory.edu.

The Muslim month of Ramadan will span February 18 through March 19, 2026. During this time, Emory Muslim students, faculty, and staff will be observing with daily fasting from dawn through the sunlight hours and nightly iftar communal prayers and dinner. On Atlanta campus, Emory University Muslim Life will hold weeknight Ramadan Iftars in Cannon Chapel with fast-breaking, call to prayer, prayers, and a halal buffet dinner.

Emory Muslim students, faculty, and staff do not need to register, but guests should register by emailing Emory Muslim Chaplain Ustadh Dr. Rahimjon Abdugafurov. Co-sponsored with university leaders, Emory schools, student organizations, and other partners. Location changes will be shared on the Emory Muslim Life elist.

Emory’s Spring 2026 Living Health and Wellbeing Week will focus on compassion and self-kindness, which can help enhance personal well-being journeys and deepen connections. Wellbeing Week invites all members of the university community to explore practical opportunities and strategies to embrace well-being — emphasizing practice, not perfection. Learn more here.