History of the Chaplaincy
The Board of Trustees established the position of Chaplain to the University in 1973. Reporting directly to the President and serving as a senior officer of the institution, the Chaplain plays a vital role in the enrichment of campus life. In October 1986, the Chair of the Chaplaincy was established as a permanent part of University life through a $1.5 million endowment created through a $750,000 challenge grant from the Jessie Ball duPont Religious, Charitable and Educational Fund in Jacksonville, Florida.
Founded by faithful Baptists who believed that the life of the spirit and the life of the mind were intertwined, the University of Richmond has always been commited to supporting moral and spiritual values in an atmosphere free of sectarian bias. Now with 15 campus ministries serving 3 world religions and a commitment to serve those who adhere to a specific religious tradition or not, the Office of the Chaplaincy offers opportunities for students, faculty and staff to explore their own convictions, faith and spirituality within a welcoming inter-religious context.
Some of the responsibilities of the Office of the Chaplaincy include the support and coordination of UR Campus Ministers and religious organizations, interreligious community and jusctice programming, a weekly University Worship Service, and spiritual and pastoral care.
The Office of the Chaplaincy is located in the Wilton Center for Interfaith Campus Ministries next to the Cannon Memorial Chapel.