Photo by Tim Marsh, WSU Today
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PULLMAN – WSU’s Common Ministry recently elected to change the name of its building from the Koinonia House (K-House) to the Interfaith House.
The name change is designed to reflect the more global nature of the campus and the current needs of students, faculty and staff. The Common Ministry’s new vision statement is “a safe place for spiritual development.”
“We believe a safe place in which to engage in interfaith projects, and dialog will better equip and educate students to live and work in our diverse society,” said Gail J. Stearns, director of the Common Ministry, and an adjunct professor with the Honors College. “We will foster these interactions as we host persons from many faith and service traditions in addition to continued programming for Christian students at the Interfaith House.”
The Common Ministry Council, a Christian organization representing six denominations, continues to be the governing body for WSU’s Common Ministry, which oversees the use of the Interfaith House.
Denominations participating at the Interfaith House include the Presbyterian Church (USA), United Methodist Church, Episcopal Church, Disciples of Christ/Christian, American Baptist, and United Church of Christ.
The building became the K-House in 1965, when eight Christian denominations joined together to form an ecumenical campus ministry. K was short for “Koinonia” – a Greek New Testament word for “community.”
“That kind of ecumenical partnership was cutting edge back then,” said Stearns, “just as interfaith work is now. The Common Ministry at WSU organization also was formed in 1965. The building was bought from the Alpha Chi Omega sorority by the Presbyterian Synod of Alaska-NW, which is the building owner.
“We are committed to serving the WSU campus and community, as we have since 1965,” said Stearns. “Some minor improvements (interior painting, new signage, etc.) are underway. We are excited about these changes and invite people to join us during this coming year.”
For more information contact Stearns at 332-2611 or gailstearns@commonministry.com.