Religious Activities Policy
Marquette University, as a Catholic university in the Jesuit educational tradition, is committed to supporting the personal faith life of its members beginning with those in the Roman Catholic tradition. At the same time, the university welcomes in its midst students of varying religious backgrounds and persuasions, respects the individual religious commitments of those students, and in no case actively attempts to proselytize them through
its programs or sponsored activities.
Similarly, the university does not allow any other individual or organization to actively proselytize its members using facilities, programs or activities controlled by the university. That is, no individual or organization can coerce
or pressure others or misrepresent themselves. This policy is not meant to discourage or inhibit the sharing 44 and discussion of religious values or beliefs between members of the university community in the variety of
contexts the educational community provides.
No individual or organization, either internal or external to the university, may hold activities on campus the specific purpose of which is to proselytize, that is to make converts of members of the university community to another church or religious affiliation. Someone invited
to a religious event should know in advance which group sponsors it and the nature of the event. There should be no pressure, direct or indirect, to engage in scripture study, worship, discussion or faith sharing. Furthermore,
if people decide to leave the group or its activities, they must be free to do so without harassment or pressure to stay. Similarly, the university reserves the right to limit or restrict the on-campus activity or any organization or
individual whose purposes are directly contrary to the university’s stated religious values and purposes.
Diverse religious groups are welcome and supported at Marquette, and groups are free to express their faiths in word and action, including what is commonly called (in Christian terms) “evangelizing” or “spreading the Gospel.” That is, they may express their beliefs in what God asks of people as well as what God offers them. Representatives of various religious affiliations may, with the approval of the director of Campus Ministry, provide appropriate religious services for their own members and others who wish to participate in them. In addition, religious groups have the right to meet and advertise in accordance with normal procedures for reserving space and for having material approved for posting. Students who are members of specific or general religious affiliations may, and in fact are encouraged to, form recognized student organizations for the purpose of supporting their own religious beliefs and practices. Such groups and their activities must be approved by the director of Campus Ministry in addition to the regular requirements for student organizations as defined in this handbook. Organizations should note that Campus Ministry is charged with identifying and meeting the pastoral needs of all Marquette students, whether as members of the general population, when belonging to particular academic programs or simply on an individual basis. The scope and purview of student organizations is inherently different.
No individual or organization either internal or external to the university may hold activities on campus the specific purpose of which is to proselytize, that is to make converts of members of the university community to another church or religious affiliation. Someone invited to a religious event should know in advance which group sponsors it and the nature of the event. There should be no pressure, direct or indirect, to engage in scripture study, worship, discussion or faith sharing. Furthermore, if people decide to leave the group or its activities, they must be free to do so without harassment or pressure to stay. Similarly, the university reserves the right to limit or restrict the on-campus activity or any organization or individual whose purposes are directly contrary to the university’s stated religious values and purposes.
The director of Campus Ministry or his/her designee will review each spiritual or religious student organization following each academic year. This evaluation will focus on the organization’s programs and activities, active
membership, and adherence to their constitution and university policies. Student organizations that have violated university policies or have failed to function as student organizations may lose their recognition.
For more information regarding this policy, contact the Office of Student Development or Campus Ministry.
Policies and Procedures
- Student Conduct Code
- Conduct Questions and Answers
- Student Organization Handbook
- Policies Related to Greek Life
- Student Handbook
- Office of Student Development Forms & Resources
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