What does 'ECM' mean?
'ECM' stands for 'Ecumenical Campus Ministry', but it's not what you might think at first glance.
Being involved at ECM does't mean you have to be Christian, or even, religious. We value Christian expressions of faith and non-Christian expressions of faith. At ECM, we like to say 'Human Welcome-No Strings Attached.' We say that because we practice this idea that being a part of a community includes asking questions and having doubts. So maybe you're Christian, maybe you're Buddhist, maybe you're not religious, maybe you don't know-that's great. ECM believes individuals in a community are not required to believe or act the same way. We like it that way. Our community supports inclusive practices. When we say 'inclusive', we mean: interbelief, multicultural, LGBTQ+, & multiracial inclusion. We prioritize environmentally conscious choices.
So, why do we use the word 'ministry' in our title if I don't need to be Christian?
ECM at KSU started close to 60 years ago as a group of Christians who celebrated different faith expressions. Four local churches (First Presbyterian, First Christian Church, Trinity Presbyterian, and the United Church of Christ) decided they wanted to work together and set an example of collaboration, instead of trying to create four different campus ministries. This was a revolutionary concept. These communities had a vision of cooperation in circumstances which might have otherwise divided. That vision continues today.
What does that word I cannot pronounce-'ecumenical'-mean?
'Ecumenical' (ek-u-men-i-cal) refers to 'cooperation amidst difference'. In the past, it meant cooperation among Christian groups, but ECM thinks 'ecumenical' can mean something bigger. So, that's what we aim to do through collaboration and cooperation.
Being involved at ECM does't mean you have to be Christian, or even, religious. We value Christian expressions of faith and non-Christian expressions of faith. At ECM, we like to say 'Human Welcome-No Strings Attached.' We say that because we practice this idea that being a part of a community includes asking questions and having doubts. So maybe you're Christian, maybe you're Buddhist, maybe you're not religious, maybe you don't know-that's great. ECM believes individuals in a community are not required to believe or act the same way. We like it that way. Our community supports inclusive practices. When we say 'inclusive', we mean: interbelief, multicultural, LGBTQ+, & multiracial inclusion. We prioritize environmentally conscious choices.
So, why do we use the word 'ministry' in our title if I don't need to be Christian?
ECM at KSU started close to 60 years ago as a group of Christians who celebrated different faith expressions. Four local churches (First Presbyterian, First Christian Church, Trinity Presbyterian, and the United Church of Christ) decided they wanted to work together and set an example of collaboration, instead of trying to create four different campus ministries. This was a revolutionary concept. These communities had a vision of cooperation in circumstances which might have otherwise divided. That vision continues today.
What does that word I cannot pronounce-'ecumenical'-mean?
'Ecumenical' (ek-u-men-i-cal) refers to 'cooperation amidst difference'. In the past, it meant cooperation among Christian groups, but ECM thinks 'ecumenical' can mean something bigger. So, that's what we aim to do through collaboration and cooperation.
|
ECM at KSU "ECM feels safe. You sit down to a meal [at RFL] and hear so many different languages. I don't worry about not being from the US. It's home to me at K-State." -Gaby "ECM encouraged me when others didn't. I couldn't have done it without this community. I just want to give back." -Sam "Every time you are at ECM, you are reminded that you are welcome. It's awesome." -Javier |
|
|