The Brown & White

The Center for Dialogue, Ethics and Spirituality, known as The Dialogue Center, is a new place for different religious sects to meet, worship and discuss modern-day issues, as well as a place for groups to hold other types of meetings.

The Center has pledged to be a safe space and is open and affirming of all persons regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation, said Dr. Lloyd Steffen, director of the Center for Dialogue, Ethics, and Spirituality and University Chaplain, in an e-mail.

Since The Newman Center, the Catholic student center, moved off campus to the University Parish of Holy Ghost Church, located on 417 Carlton Ave., The Dialogue Center is now located in the Newman Center's former building.

After the building flooded this summer, it was renovated and The Dialogue Center opened on Aug. 18.

The Dialogue Center has two primary purposes for the Lehigh campus.

First, it aims to provide available room for any religious group to meet for organizational purposes, religious activities or religious programs, such as meditation, prayer, or worship events in the Interfaith chapel.

The chapel, where people of all religions are welcome to pray, has been an idea that Lehigh has been trying make a reality for more than 20 years.

The building is wireless and there is space for speakers and groups to gather up to 30 people or hold student-group meetings.

Off-campus religious group advisers can use the space to meet with students as well.

Another goal of The Dialogue Center is to sponsor programming that promotes meaningful dialogue circulating around ethical issues and spiritual concerns.

The Center is looking to encourage the discussion of issues pertaining to current, contemporary and ethical issues, like war and peace, sexuality, economic and social justice concerns, while also examining spirituality and inter-faith aspects.

"Even though it is a new center, students have already been making reservations and using the space," Sally Schray, coordinator of the Chaplain's Office, said.

The Dialogue Center is run by The Office of the University Chaplain, including Steffen, Rabbi Seth Goren and Dr. Yaba Blay, director of the Joint Multicultural Academic Office. The Dialogue Center also houses Lehigh University's first Interfaith Chapel, a seminar room, and other individual meeting rooms.

The Center is easily accessible to all groups on campus; however, religious groups have top priority to use the spaces.

"I am excited to use this space and have a safe haven for my opinions and thoughts on my religion," said Ilana Orlansky, '12.

One program that The Dialogue Center is sponsoring is the Lehigh Prison Project. This project involves students tutoring inmates at the Northampton County Prison in Easton, Pa.

At a recent information session, 24 students showed up to learn more about the new Lehigh Prison Project, and that is very exciting for the new program, Steffen said.

The Center's directors hope students, faculty and staff will use its resources to academic as well as co-curricular needs.

The Center can also provide space for departments, administrative offices, and student groups. Also, the Chaplain's Office will be used to hold staff meetings, department meetings, mini-retreats or departmental events with students.

The Dialogue Center is an alternative space for staff meetings, department meetings, mini-retreats or departmental events with students.

"I think students will find our center a friendly and welcoming place to come-it will offer safe space for conversations about difficult and divisive topics as well as for spiritual growth and nurture," Steffen said.

The Dialogue Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Meeting times and spaces can be reserved by contacting the Chaplain's Office at (610) 758-3877.

"I am really happy Lehigh is giving religion a prominent place on this campus," Orlansky said.