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| A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
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Trees in the Middlesex Fells Reservation
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A Reflection from the University Chaplainy
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Over the past few months, I’ve been noticing interspecies living more intentionally in the television shows I’ve been watching; it brings the pets and plants that have accompanied me in my life to mind. I’ve also observed (at times within myself) a troubling pattern: a casual disregard for the well-being of other co-inhabitants. These moments have stayed with me— not as a moral judgement, but as an invitation to deeper connection and attunement. What does it mean to find one species more valuable than another to me, a humanist?
These observations have cultivated both curiosity and humility in me. They’ve pushed me to risk developing proximity to people and worlds not my own through the lives deemed disposable. Trees, bugs, bodies of water - how are they experiencing and co-creating the world? Curiosity opened doors to growth— including in my praxis as a chaplain. And it’s also humbled me about how much I have yet to unlearn, and how often I must reframe the human-centered behaviors I have developed over my lifetime.
I do not have complete or final conclusions. But I do know that the class divides, labor segregation, and the actions that create delusions of untouchability, rooted in the air and mantle of elitism, must be replaced with a political strategy centered on critical love—a love to be lived out in this shared world with all of creation. The work of collective liberation and right relations calls us beyond the micro-worlds we inhabit, and expands us as humans. As a humanist, I must especially work to gradually center right relations with ourselves, others, and the planet. Humanism is not "human first" but instead an invitation to a continued practice of responsive ethico-political kinship.
Perhaps today you can consider a tree, an insect, or a gathering of water, and learn from them.
Anthony Cruz Pantojas
Humanist Chaplain & Coordinator of Africana Spirituality
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Upcoming Signature Events
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Save the Date: Pax et Lux
Wednesday, December 3, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Goddard Chapel
Pax et Lux is Tufts University’s annual multi-faith and multi-cultural winter celebration organized by the University Chaplaincy's Interfaith Ambassador Team. Inspired by themes of ‘Peace and Light,’ the program seeks to highlight the rich mosaic of arts, traditions, and histories present at Tufts University. It further aims to honor diversity through storytelling, music, dance, and performance – bridging the magic of festivities with the celebration of peace. Join this year for dancers, story-tellers, and the aftershow "Light the Quad" ! Email the University Chaplaincy if you have any questions.
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Religious and Philosophical Events and Gatherings
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Interfaith Meditation & Discussion
Wednesday, November 19, 7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m., Goddard Chapel
Join Tufts Hillel and the Tufts Buddhist Mindfulness Sangha for an interfaith exploration of mindfulness through Jewish and Buddhist perspectives. The evening will include a brief guided meditation, a thoughtful discussion, and a chance to relax and chat over an assortment of teas and snacks. All are welcome to learn, reflect, and share in community. No experience necessary! Reach out to Buddhist Chaplain Vineetha Mahayaye with any questions.
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Friendsgiving Potluck
Thursday, November 27, 5:00 p.m., Interfaith Center
Join the Graduate Buddhist Mindfulness Sangha next Thursday at the Interfaith Center for a potluck and to share your home cooking with friends! All are welcome. You may bring any food you like! Please RSVP so we know how many people to expect! For any questions, feel free to reach out to Nanxi Liu.
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Student Voices Award Submissions Open!
Submit by December 7
All Tufts students are invited to apply for the 2026 Student Voices Award as part of the annual MLK Celebration! A cash prize of $500 will be awarded to the winner (may be an individual or a group). Submissions should respond to the excerpt from King’s 1963 “I Have A Dream” speech: "We cannot walk alone. As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back." Submissions can be any medium (photography, spoken word, essay, dance, etc.) and must be submitted by Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Find more information and submit your work through the link below.
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Resources and Opportunities
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Spring 2026 Course Picks at the Experimental College
Registration for Spring 2026 has begun at the Ex-College, but if you’re still having trouble deciding which of our incredibly innovative courses to add to your schedule then we’ve got you covered. Here are some picks from our staff and student board members. A full list of our Spring 2026 course descriptions and instructor bios is available here. Register through SIS. Dogs: A Critical Exploration is co-taught by University Chaplaincy Associate Director for Program Nora Bond and Asian American Associate Director Kali Guise!
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Jumbo Day: SMFA Art Sale
Thursday, December 4, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., SMFA, 230 The Fenway, Boston
Join the SMFA for Jumbo Day at the SMFA Art Sale! This special preview is reserved exclusively for Tufts students, faculty, staff, and alumni before the sale opens to the public. A shuttle is available from the Tufts campus for your convenience. Checkout the SMFA Art Sale webpage for more details!
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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.
Sigd
Wednesday, November 19 - Thursday, November 20, 2025
(Judaism) Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Celebrated 50 days after Yom Kippur, especially in Ethiopian Jewish communities.
Day of the Covenant
Monday, November 24 – Tuesday, November 25, 2025
(Baha'i) Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Celebrates the anniversary of the appointment of 'Abdu'l-Baha, the son of Baha'u'llah, as the Center of the Covenant.
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
Monday, November 24, 2025
(Sikhism) This day commemorates the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621-1675), the ninth of the Ten Sikh Gurus. He is remembered not only for his defense of the Sikh faith but also for his defense of Hinduism and religious liberty.
Ascension of 'Abdu'l- Baha
Wednesday, November 26 - Thursday, November 27, 2025
(Baha'i) Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Commemorates the death of Abdu'l- Baha.
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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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