Religious and Spiritual Life
Our multi-faith room, 'The Sanctuary' is an inviting and inclusive space, to which College members of all faiths and of none are welcome. Our College Chaplain and inaugural Director of The Sanctuary, Suzan Meryem Rosita Kalayci, joined St Hilda's in Michaelmas Term 2020. Meryem is a Quaker, and we believe that she is not only the first Director of a designated multi-faith room in an Oxford college but also the first Quaker to be appointed Chaplain of an Oxford college. The decision to create a multi-faith room reflects St Hilda’s continued commitment to inclusivity. A group comprising students, staff and Fellows has come together to advise on furnishings and decoration. In Trinity Term 2021, we held services in our Pavilion, accompanied by performances from St Hilda's Choir.
Many students participate in the wider religious life of the University, in churches, University prayer and meeting rooms, and other college chapel choirs. Almost all faith groups are represented by University student societies and it is possible for people of all faiths to find a spiritual base. The Hindu Mandal in Oxford is very near College, as is the Central Oxford Mosque. There is a University Jewish Chaplaincy, and an Oxford Synagogue. For these and other places of worship, please see the University's Equality and Diversity webpages.
St Hilda's College Prayer, recorded during the pandemic in November 2020 (YouTube)
