UCCI Hosts Third Special Interfaith Service

Coping with anxiety – in relationships, school, and the workplace – a concern typical of college students, is the theme of this year’s Special Interfaith Service at the University College of the Cayman Islands.

Now on its third year, the service takes place Sunday, 2 October, at 4pm, at the Sir Vassel Johnson Hall, at the UCCI campus in George Town. The public is invited to join students, staff, and faculty in launching the academic year.

The Interfaith Service is an annual religious occasion that seeks to promote awareness and tolerance among students of different beliefs, as well as encourage spiritual growth and facilitate interactions with the wider Caymanian society.

Each year’s programme focuses on one central theme and involves short homilies from local pastors and religious leaders. The theme of each service reflects an issue or concern common to the home, relationships, school or the workplace.

“As President of the University College, I draw upon my own experiences as a college student in which we worshipped at a special service at the opening of each academic year,” said Roy Bodden, UCCI president. “A relevant theme was chosen and the community of professors and students, together with parents, supporters and well-wishers, gathered to hear words of instruction and encouragement from pastors.”

Mr. Bodden said, “While the service is strictly not a church service, it is focused upon God’s demands and expectations that spiritual growth takes precedence in our lives. This is the third such service and, in keeping with the University College as an all-embracing educational institution, we welcome representatives of different faiths to share this experience.”

This year’s speakers, drawn from local churches, will address one of the three situations being examined, in the context of coping with anxieties.

The UCCI Choir and Pandemix Steel Band will provide musical items and lead congregational singing.