At the Montreat College Conference earlier this month, we explored the idea of interfaith understanding and its importance for our Christian faith. As a result, some of the students decided to host an 80’s Interfaith Dance Party at the PSC. We invited every religious group that we could find on campus. In the end, we had some Lutherans, Baptists, and a Bahai show up. Moreover, we started a dialogue with several other groups that were not able to attend, but who appreciated what we were doing.

As ridiculous as it is to join together with people of other faiths to dance to “Thriller,” I think that the world would be a better place if this was a regular occurrence. Maybe Jerusalem could use an Interfaith Dance Party…

On Jan. 2-5, we went to the College Conference at Montreat. We worshipped, participated in focus groups, went to workshops, and heard keynote speakers. The theme was “God Without Borders” and our speakers were Cynthia Rigby (from Austin Seminary) and Eboo Patel (Interfaith Youth Core). Even though the temperature never got above freezing while we were there, we had a great time and we’re looking forward to next year!

The Montreat College Conference is always one of the highlights of our year. What could be better than hanging out with over 1000 college students at Montreat? There are few places where there is so much energy and hope for the future of the Church. This year, the conference is Jan. 2-5, 2010 and the theme is “God Without Borders.”

God Without Borders from Montreat on Vimeo.

Speakers, preachers, and worship leaders will include Anna Carter Florence, Eboo Patel, Cynthia Rigby, Troy Bronsink, and Bruce Reyes-Chow. Click here for a full description.

The Presbyterian Student Center at UGA and Northeast Georgia Presbytery (through the Campus & Collegiate Ministries Action Team) are working together to take a group of college students who will stay together in the Georgia Lodge. To register, contact Andy Cooke at andy[at]pscuga[dot]org. Registration, room, and board are only $100 before Oct. 28, $125 between Oct. 29 and Nov. 30, and $150 after Nov. 30.

Check out this recap video from the Montreat College Conference. I found it on Bruce Reyes-Chow’s blog.

College Conference 09 from Josh Richard on Vimeo.