Chaplain and Religious Life

Do Justice, Love Kindness, Walk Humbly with God

The Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life seeks to create an inclusive community that celebrates intellectual curiosity about religion and spirituality, nourishes ethical decision-making, cultivates deep spiritual exploration and supports faithful living. We promote moral and ethical leadership development and provide pastoral care and welcome for SMU’s religiously diverse community. Grounded in the University’s Methodist identity, the office enhances the educational mission of the university through religious and spiritual programming and services for all students, staff, faculty, and administration.

 

students and staff in front of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama

Multi-Religious Programming

girls talking on bench

Pastoral/Spiritual Care

Reverend Lisa Garvin in black robe with white stole giving sermon in Perkins Chapel

Religious Life at SMU

three people covered in multi-colored powder standing outside in front of red and yellow floral backdrop

Religious Holidays

five students sitting outside by fountain in front of Dallas Hall on sunny day

Spaces, Food, and Policies

Center for Faith and Learning

SMU created the Center for Faith and Learning to promote greater integration of intellectual and spiritual life, both on campus and in society more broadly. Rooted in and inspired by the University’s Methodist identity, the Center seeks to help SMU students, faculty, and staff discern and develop connections between their religious convictions and their academic and professional work. In addition, the Center seeks to highlight and to promote dialogue surrounding the relevance of faith-based perspectives to fundamental questions in every area of intellectual inquiry and public life.