Engaging questions of religious diversity and civic pluralism

The UVU initiative on Religion, Culture, and Society supports activities designed to study the role of religion in public life and build bridges of understanding and cooperation between diverse religious, spiritual, and worldview perspectives.

Programming includes 1) academic coursework, 2) experiential learning opportunities, 3) undergraduate research projects, and 4) community engagement activities.

Community Partnerships

UVU has developed partnerships with local organizations that cultivate understanding across religious boundaries and which further the engagement mission of the university. The organizations below are active partners in connecting UVU students, faculty and staff with these important community resources.

Bradley Center for Grieving Children and Families

Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable

Utah Valley Interfaith Association

Utah 3Rs Project

Community Advisory Council

UVU receives input and consultation from our Interfaith Community Advisory Council. This group consists of religious and community leaders committed to advancing interfaith education and outreach. The university partners with this group to host the annual Community Interfaith Breakfast and related events. 


Kena Matthews (co-chair)
Housing Director
Community Action Services

Brian Birch (co-chair)
Director, Religious Studies Program
Utah Valley University

Stephanie Ashcraft
Utah Valley Public Relations Council
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Luna Banuri
Executive Director
Utah Muslim Civic League

Juliana Boerio-Goates
Catholic Lay Ecclesial Minister

Khando Chazotsang
Utah Tibetan Community

Caru Das
Director
Spanish Fork Krishna Temple

Brian Farr
Chair
North American Interfaith Network

J. O'Day
Program Director, Interfaith Engagement
Utah Valley University

Zeynep Kariparduc
Chair, Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable

Ruhul Kuddus
Former President, Utah Valley Islamic Council

Karen McCandless
Utah Valley Interfaith Association
CEO, Community Action Services

Scott McKinney
Lead Pastor, CenterPoint Church

Carrie Moore
Executive Director
Bradley Center for Grieving Children & Families

Alexis Palmer 
Associate Vice President for Student Development
Utah Valley University

Mark Seastrand
Director, Orem Communication Council
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Josie Stone
Chair
Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable

Scott Trotter
Senior Director for Communications, Utah Valley University