The mission of the religious program of the college is threefold:

• to provide opportunities for students to express, learn more about and grow in their own religious faith
• to provide opportunities for students, faculty and staff to learn about the religious beliefs of others
  
• to provide venues on campus for discussion and dialogue on matters of religious belief and ethical behavior

Lafayette College has a long tradition of nurturing religious life. From its founding in 1826, religious expression and discussion have played an important role in the life of the college. Since 1854, the college has enjoyed an historic association with the Presbyterian Church, while welcoming people of all faiths.

Today’s student body is very diverse religiously, and there are many opportunities on campus and in the community for worship and fellowship in a wide range of religious traditions. All religious services are voluntary and there are no required religion courses.

The Office of Religious Life and the Interfaith Council sponsor a variety of programs to encourage intrafaith and interfaith dialogue and understanding. These include occasional Brown Bag Luncheon discussions, interfaith meals during holidays such as Passover, Ramadan and Christmas and various lectures and performances. Religious organizations include the Hillel Society (Jewish), The Journey (Christian/Interfaith), the Lafayette Christian Fellowship, the Muslim Student Association, Orthodox Christian Fellowship and the Newman Association (Catholic) and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.These groups sponsor discussions, meals, retreats, prayer groups, etc. There are weekly worship services on campus for Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim students.

The Office of Religious Life in Hogg Hall serves as a resource for all religious activities on the campus. The Director of Religious Life/ College Chaplain, the Rev. Dr. John Patrick Colatch, is a United Methodist pastor. He works closely with our Catholic Chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Charles Norman, O.S.F.S., the Jewish Chaplain, Dr. Robert Weiner and the Muslim Student Advisor.