Losing Our Religion?
Written by Katherine McCracken
Edited by Kathy Lu
Cover Image by Nancy Cao
Twice a week we are herded into the Brenda Robsen Hall. Some are condemned to the gallery, but the rest of us sit cross-legged pinched in between rows of schoolmates. Even though our legs go numb and we begin to sweat from the many layers of 100% cotton, Prayers is a staple of our school experience which has always been regarded fondly. However, there is very little ‘prayer’ in Prayers and it is established that the current meaning of Havergal Prayers is mainly focused on community building and less about religion. Our school is an Anglican school and yet, its ivy walls are full of students with all kinds of religious beliefs. Safe spaces have been formed, such as the Muslim Student Alliance (MSA) and the Jewish Student Alliance (JSA), and we are fortunate enough to be able to learn from them their different cultures and religions through prayers.
The question is not of what is lost but what is gained. I've never thought much about going to an Anglican school and never understood what that really meant until I considered the value of different beliefs coexisting and teaching eachother different values and perspectives. Even though this is a place to learn from teachers and classes, there is also much to be learned from your classmates. This is what makes our school feel the way it does because every student you walk by is unique. We are made up of our beliefs, our strengths, our weaknesses, and our histories, but we are here together to share our knowledge with each other. While our school day is relatively the same, it really isn’t, as its through hundreds of different eyes over hundreds of years. Who better to learn from and discuss the world with than your peers, who each have a different perspective. Students are the heart of our school, not its title or affiliations. Our student body speaks for itself and for its own needs.
At this point, we can deepen our understanding of others and incorporate them into our current community practices. With respect for others and a willingness to understand them, our community flourishes. Think of it like our stained glass windows in the BRH: our community consists of different people, each shining in both different and similar ways. It is the togetherness that is the true representation of religion at our school. The willingness of its members to thrive together is what makes us who we are as a community. This togetherness creates a sense of security in which learning is far more accessible and enjoyable. I’m not a religious person, so I am most definitely not qualified to give any advice for how religion and school should intersect, but living around people with a religious belief is a beautiful experience because we can gain new perspectives and understand each other more. I am grateful to go to a school where people can feel respected, and I believe that this conversation regarding safety and respect should be opened up . While I am relatively sure that the band “R.E.M.” was not talking about school and faith in their song “Losing my Religion,” I think that it is a classic and has some lyrics that help wrap this up.
“Life is bigger/It’s bigger than you/And you are not me”
The last thing I am sure of is that our school is most definitely not losing its religion. Our school is growing with its students and we will support each other on the way.