There are a number of religious and spiritual student organizations at Amherst for you to explore. In addition to the options on this page, you can also visit The Hub, Amherst's student organization portal, where you can browse our nearly 150 Registered Student Organizations, learn about upcoming events and seek opportunities to get involved on campus based on your personal interests.
Whether you're an experienced meditator or brand new to the practice, whether you identify as Buddhist or are just curious about the teachings, come join us to slow down, relax, gain mindfulness and self-awareness tools, or just to talk about what it means to live from compassion and awareness.
Advisor: Roshi John Bailes, Buddhist Chaplain
Learn more about the Amherst Buddhist Group
The Amherst Christian Fellowship (ACF) is a trans-denominational Christian student organization committed to historic, orthodox Christian faith. ACF is open to all members of the campus community, be they exploring Christian faith or a follower of Christ. ACF is affiliated with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
Visit the Amherst Christian Fellowship Hub Page
Many of us who do not identify with any particular religious tradition, because we are not theists, nonetheless value the sort of social fellowship and individual moral support and growth that religious communities often encourage. Humanism at Amherst College, part of the Office of Religious & Spiritual Life, aims to provide all members of the Amherst Community opportunities to discuss important issues and share our individual perspectives in a safe environment conducive to measured, rational, and compassionate discourse.
This group is currently unactive
Visit the Amherst College Humanists Hub Page
A collection of Christian programs, from Gather & Evensong to midweek retreats to campfire sing-alongs, provided by our Christian Chaplain and student leaders.
Advisor: Rev. Shannon Farrand-Bernardin, Christian Chaplain and Interfaith Coordinator
Learn more about Christian Programs on this webpage
Affirmations is an African-American Worship Series designed for and by students to provide an on-campus Christian worship experience which affirms African-American religious traditions. The uniqueness of the African-American religious experience lends itself to the renewal of our deep spiritual feelings and to the uplifting of ourselves and our community.
Advisor: Rev. Shannon Farrand-Bernardin, Christian Chaplain and Interfaith Coordinator
Visit the Hermenia Gardner Christian Service Hub Page
Bi-Semester website and Zoom info
Amherst Hillel is the Jewish student group on campus. Hillel organizes religious, educational, cultural, and social events for the Jewish community on campus. All meetings and events are open to the entire Five College community. We welcome participation by all interested in Judaism, including non-Jews and community members. Amherst Hillel (and its predecessor) has been an affiliate of Hillel International since 1943.
Advisor: new Jewish Chaplain (to be hired for fall 2023)
Visit the Hillel Hub Page
Learn more about Hillel on their website
The Interfaith Council is an inter-religious organization set on improving relations between various beliefs represented at Amherst College. The Interfaith Council hopes to increase opportunities for students to learn about one another’s beliefs and values and to promote public service activities as part of our shared commitment to bettering our community. Its ultimate goal is to foster the mutual respect and learning experiences which Amherst prides itself on.
Advisor: Harrison Blum
Visit the Interfaith Council Hub Page
The Muslim Student Association focuses on providing support for Muslim students and raising awareness of Islam throughout the community.
Advisor: We are between advisors at present, pending the hire of a new Muslim Chaplain for Spring 2023
Visit the Muslim Student Association Hub Page
Learn more about MSA on their website
The Newman Catholic Student Association exists to support Catholic religious life at Amherst. Our first and most important meeting is each Sunday for Mass, but the Newman Catholic Student Association also opens doors to discussion, thoughtful reflection, and prayer events like the weekly Rosary. The Newman Catholic Student Association supports ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue and sponsors or co-sponsors social events, lectures and community outreach.
Advisor: Deacon Tom Lynch, Catholic Chaplain
Visit the Newman Catholic Student Association Hub Page
Learn more about the Newman Catholic Student Association on their website
Remnant strives to provide a space where black students and their allies explore and navigate the intersections of their cultural identities and Christianity.
Advisor: Rev. Shannon Farrand-Bernardin, Christian Chaplain and Interfaith Coordinator
Visit the Remnant Hub Page
Visit our Student Activities site to learn more about how you can propose your own student organization, or find other organizations on The Hub, Amherst’s student organization portal.