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Tri-Faith Commons in Omaha, Nebraska; this space physically brings together a synagogue, a church, and a mosque, and hosted the meeting of Humanist Chaplain Anthony Cruz Pantojas and Dr. Kai Horn El-Amin in May 2024. Photo by Anthony Cruz Pantojas.
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A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
What connects Omaha, Nebraska, a Humanist Chaplain at Tufts, and a Muslim faculty member at a Historically Black Christian institution of higher learning? The answer lies in a shared commitment to interfaith and interbelief dialogue and practice - and an event you can attend next week.
Dr. Kai Horn El-Amin and I were both selected to be part of the inaugural cohort of the Emerging Clergy Tri-Faith Initiative, a nine-month fellowship program that culminated in an in-person gathering in Omaha—realizing a dream of three Abrahamic traditions and an interfaith center choosing to build their gathering spaces together, deepening their relationships along the way (you can read more about the Tri-Faith Initiative work here).
Last fall, Dr. El-Amin and I began a series of conversations on the power of storytelling as a tool for reclaiming our historical, cultural, and personal narratives. It is a powerful, ongoing exploration. An exciting outcome of this initiative is an upcoming, first-of-its-kind co-sponsored event between the Muslim and Humanist Chaplaincies at Tufts. Dr. Kai Horn El-Amin will be speaking on African Traditional Religion: The Making of a Black Christian, an exploration of identity, race, and religious history in America. This talk will examine how religious biases and cultural relativism intersect, challenging the ways in which race, class, gender, and religion are often racialized matters. Through storytelling, Dr. El-Amin will invite participants to follow a trajectory of thought that interrogates the historical and ethical dimensions of racism, civil rights, and religious suppression. I am proud and grateful to co-host with my colleague, Muslim Chaplain Khan Shairani, also a scholar in Peace Studies, who will help us welcome Dr. El-Amin. Together, we will explore pressing questions about peace, violence, and the ways in which we engage with histories of refusal and transformation.
We hope you join us for Dr. Kai Horn El-Amin’s two opportunities lecture on February 19, 2025 (see details and register below). My invitation to you is join us - journey alongside peers, staff, faculty, and the greater community for a unique evening of history, present, and futuring.
Anthony Cruz Pantojas
Humanist Chaplain
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Two Events, One Day with the Africana Spirituality Series
Wednesday, February 19, Interfaith Center
Hearty Snacks and Dialogue: Islam, Christianity and Black Identity in America
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Join Dr. Kai Horn El-Amin for snacks and to share and discuss her experiences and intellectual journey that brought her to research questions of religion and identity and their place in modern American society. For students who are interested in pursuing similar questions, this will be an avenue to explore together the possibilities of research and its limitations. Students can share their own interests and how they wish to engage religion through their work, advocacy, research, and other activities. Food will be provided. For questions, email Humanist Chaplain Anthony Cruz Pantojas.
African Traditional Religion: The Making of a Black Christian
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join for dinner and a thought-provoking lecture exploring how identity politics in America shape our understanding of race, religion, gender, class, and human rights. Through storytelling and an Islamic literary lens, we’ll dive into historical and contemporary issues of racialization and bias. Together, we’ll unpack how these dynamics influence civil rights, cultural expressions, and our shared commitment to social justice. Food will be provided.
Register for one or both of the events below!
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| Upcoming Signature Programs
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"Where Do We Go From Here" Lunch and Learns
Various dates on all Tufts campuses
Join the Tufts community for "Where Do We Go From Here?" Lunch and Learn events this February, celebrating the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. These gatherings will reflect on King’s 1967 speech and its call to unite power, love, and justice. Upcoming events will be held on the Medford Campus, and at the SMFA with lunch. Open to all faculty, staff, and students. For details contact the University Chaplaincy. Register below.
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Religious and Philosophical Events and Gatherings
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Our events and weekly gatherings are open to everyone in the Tufts community. You can find a calendar and descriptions of our regular events on our website. If you have an idea for a gathering or event, please contact the University Chaplaincy.
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Tu Bishvat Seder and Succulents
Wednesday, February 12, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Granoff Family Hillel Center
Join Hillel for a Tu Bishvat gathering, celebrating the trees! Hillel will have an evening of discussion, community, food, plant potting and decorating, and celebrating the earth. Everyone is welcome!
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Tea & Poetry: A Talk by Charles Hallisey
Wednesday, February 19, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Goddard Chapel
Tufts Buddhist Chaplaincy and Tufts Buddhist Mindfulness Sangha conduct “Tea & Poetry” on Wednesdays. We read Therigatha: The Poems of the First Buddhist Women and learn from their experiences. On Wednesday, February 19, Charles Hallisey, the translator of Therigatha will deliver a talk followed by a Q & A session and food. Please contact Buddhist Chaplain Vineetha Mahayaye with any questions!
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Catholic Community Spring Retreat: Friends, Faith, and Hope
Friday, February 28 at 4:00 p.m. to Sunday, March 2 at 12:00 p.m.
The Catholic Community at Tufts invites all undergraduates to attend the 2025 Spring Retreat! Join for three days of prayer, art, and reflection exploring the topic of Hopefulness at the Rolling Ridge Retreat Center in North Andover, Massachusetts. If you are interested, please RSVP by registering below. The retreat is free to all students. Please email Catholic Chaplain Lynn Cooper with any questions.
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| Partner and Community Programs
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TIES Workshop: Tools and Strategies for Addressing Political Polarization
Thursday, February 13 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET., Hybrid
During this session, we will hear from faculty members Amur Hur, Peter Levine, Eitan Hersh, and Samuel Gebru on how to engage differences across the political spectrum. Attendees will be invited into a dialogue following the session to reflect on the panel and build understanding of other people’s lived experiences related to this topic. Participants should expect to be in dialogue with colleagues who may hold different perspectives. This is a hybrid event (Zoom and at the Joyce Cummings Center Room 601). Lunch will be provided for those attending in person.
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Upcoming Religious Celebrations and Observances
To see more upcoming religious holidays and festivals, including information about seeking religious accommodations at Tufts, please follow the link to the Tufts Multifaith Calendar.
Tu B'Shevat
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Tradition: Judaism
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Literally meaning "New Year of the Trees," it is an agricultural new year.
Laylat al-Bara'ah
Friday, February 14, 2025
Tradition: Islam
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Night of Repentance; on this night, God approaches the Earth to call humanity and to grant forgiveness of sins. Observed on the 14th day of the lunar month of Sha'ban.
Nirvana Day
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Tradition: Buddhism
In the northern tradition, it commemorates the parinirvana of the Buddha. In cultures of Southeast Asia, the buddha's parinirvana is remembered during Wesak. The dates and names of Buddhist celebrations vary significantly among cultures and communities.
Maha Shivaratri
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Tradition: Hinduism
A feast dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. The night before the feast, fasting is observed, texts are recited, songs are sung, and stories told in honor of this God whose cosmic dance creates, preserves, destroys, and recreates the world. Observances may include limits to participation in academics or work.
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Support the University Chaplaincy
Supporting programs at Tufts University in religious, spiritual, ethical, and cultural life is easy and vital to our work. To donate, please click on the button below. Thank you for your generosity.
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The University Chaplaincy is a dynamic hub supporting religious, spiritual, ethical, and cultural life for all members of the Tufts community. We provide spiritual care, support religious and philosophical communities, educate about spiritual and ethical issues in society and the world, and promote multifaith engagement.
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