Reinstated Interfaith Initiative seeks to build 'vulnerable and authentic sharing' 

Leaders from a club that tries to bridge religious differences on Utah State University’s campus are hoping to increase in-person participation this school year after a five-year hiatus. 

The first of many events intended to introduce student to the re-imagined club will be an on-campus mental health workshop, led by religious studies professor Bonnie Glass-Coffin, on Oct. 11. Other events will feature speakers of varying religious backgrounds throughout the school year.

First founded in 2014, the organization faded out until 2020, when Glass-Coffin decided the club needed to be reinstated. However, COVID-19 made it impossible to get active participation in events and community outreach projects to restart the movement.

“Last year, we tried,” club president Madison Jenkins said. “It was limited because of COVID, obviously. We’re hoping to be able to get more involvement in the community this year now that there are more opportunities.”

With the club back in action, students can engage in the sort of “vulnerable and authentic sharing” that Glass-Coffin believes the organization offers.

“Sharing authentically and listening deeply provides that basis for relationship that serves a really important need on campus,” she said.