Cassidy Esquivel
Staff Writer
Often characterized by its perceivably wild party scene, Isla Vista (I.V.) might not be the place you’d expect to find a prominent religious population. Although spirituality is not the most advertised feature of the UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) population, you can find many religious organizations and many people that attend them. The Bottom Line (TBL) had the opportunity to speak to members of these communities about what people should know about these spaces.
Christianity
There are a number of on-campus clubs and off-campus churches within UCSB/I.V. that are attended by students. Some clubs and on-campus ministries include Acts 2 Fellowship, Asian American Christian Fellowship, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Fiat Lux Campus Ministry, and more. Others can be found on Shoreline. There are many churches in I.V. as well, including University United Methodist Church, St. Michael’s University Church, Isla Vista House of Prayer (Jesus Burgers), St. Mark’s University Parish, Light and Life Isla Vista Church, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
You can find almost every sector of Christianity within I.V., from Catholicism to non-denominational followers of Jesus. But across dominations, these groups share the mission of supporting and welcoming students spiritually and beyond.
Tim Black, the vicar chaplain at St. Michael’s, expressed in an interview with TBL his desire to create “a place of love and care” that supports students, staff, and administration at UCSB. He describes his community as a church family, a place where people can come and be fed on a Sunday morning, and come hang out on the lawn to lay out in the sun, study, and take naps. Black emphasized the importance of being an environment open to everyone, no matter their sexuality, gender identity, or religion.
Pastor Martin Finau from University United Methodist Church shares this ideology of creating a community for anyone and everyone. If you attend Sunday service, he’ll make sure that you leave with bags of leftover food from the church’s weekly potluck. Finau will also invite you to study in the church’s space and to attain some school supplies from the College Station. Even if you don’t consider yourself what is labeled as “super Christian,” or religious at all, these spaces are open to anyone who is looking for a community.
Islam
The UCSB Muslim Student Association (MSA) has the core mission of creating “an inclusive and welcoming environment for Muslims on campus” that positively represents the Muslim student body to the broader UCSB community.
Some of their events include weekly halaqas (spiritual study circles), community iftars during Ramadan, social gatherings, and volunteer opportunities that strengthen their community by fostering unity and deepening students’ faith.
MSA often meets at the Masjid (Islamic Society of Santa Barbara) mosque, which was described by MSA as a “spiritual home away from home” that allows students to stay connected with the local Muslim community, “reinforcing a sense of belonging and shared purpose.”
The Masjid provides both religious and personal services to its community, as stated on its website, and even offers scholarships for Muslim undergraduate students. These organizations are integral to the Muslim community at UCSB, and provide a safe space for Muslims and non-Muslims alike to grow spiritually, academically, and socially.
Judaism
UCSB has an active Jewish community that makes up 12.9 percent of the student body, according to Hillel International. There are two Jewish community centers/synagogues in I.V.: Chabad at UCSB and Santa Barbara Hillel. What these communities provide goes beyond spiritual enrichment, as they facilitate many cultural events for students as well.
Hillel and Chabad both organize Friday night Shabbat dinners where students can enjoy a meal with their community. Creating this community that connects with students on every level is really important to Gershon Klein, who facilitates Chabad with his wife. “We’re like a community center that also has a synagogue,” Klein said. Chabad offers events and socials almost every day of the week, which include opportunities for students to learn more about their Jewish tradition and faith.
At Santa Barbara Hillel, you can also find a wide array of religious and non-religious-focused events each week, ranging from student-led services before Shabbat, study and snack services, and Jewish Holidays throughout the year.
Hinduism
Hindu Youth for Unity, Virtues and Action (YUVA) UCSB is a religious/cultural organization dedicated to preserving, practicing, promoting, and protecting Hindu Dharma by “uniting Hindu youth on college campuses,” according to the Hindu YUVA official website.
The organization has chapters all over North America. In the past, the UCSB chapter has hosted events ranging from discussions of Hindu topics and craft nights to celebrate Hindu festivals, to study nights and yoga sessions. Their Instagram, @hinduyuvaucsb, offers educational posts about Hindu philosophies and practices.
Sikhism
The UCSB Sikh Student Association’s (SSA) mission is “to provide four main services to [its] members: Simran (religious events), Seva (community service), Sangat (social and cultural events), and Academics.”
One of their recurring events is Gurbani Studies, the study of the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s religious text. SSA also hosts celebrations of religious and cultural events as well as trips to the Ventura Sikh Temple.
SSA’s goal is to “provide a safe and comfortable space” for Sikh students at UCSB and to educate the campus population about Sikhism. They’ve fostered this safe space by opening events to all and by maintaining an active community that offers a balance of religious and social events, such as bonfires and game nights.
Religious spaces offer more than just a place of worship, although many UCSB students seek them for that. After speaking with leaders and followers across different religions, it is evident that there is love and acceptance within these spaces.
Aside from attending religious services together, the social events and shared meals that these spaces provide bond students and mentors together. At the very least, being part of a club can give you access to a study space and free snacks. At its height, these communities can become a chosen family that you stay connected to for life.