As a college community we strive to provide a supportive atmosphere that welcomes and respects individuals who represent a wide range of beliefs. The Westminster community reflects a climate of respect for people of all faiths and backgrounds, creates camaraderie, and giving of self. As a faith-based college we strive to model a philosophy of service-over-self that is grateful for the gifts of God that are from everlasting to everlasting.
Since its beginnings in 1852 Westminster College has been a church-related institution. We are related to the Presbyterian Church (USA) by covenant with the Synod of the Trinity which states: “Students at Westminster are enrolled in a college sustained through the decades by what was the United Presbyterian Church of North America. This heritage has at its core those ideals exemplified by Jesus Christ. Today the College strives continually to understand and express the relationship between its religious heritage and the liberal arts ideals and values in ways relevant to a rapidly changing world. Westminster embraces the whole church with its many traditions and the human race in its diversity. The College is open to the moral and spiritual character of different religious traditions and resolves to continue its participation in both ecumenical and interfaith endeavors." Covenant Agreement with Synod of the Trinity, 2008.
Students and staff may develop and grow in their faith through taking advantage of weekly non-denominational worship experiences and Catholic Mass, both of which are offered on campus, attending local houses of worship (we provide a detailed listing of places to worship for most religious traditions in the area), volunteer opportunities (local and international), fellowship organizations, and small groups.
Westminster’s Board of Trustees, administration, faculty and students develop their policies and practices based on the principles, values and ideals of our Judeo-Christian traditions. Every member of the Westminster College community is expected to honor the standards of compassion, justice, and a disciplined life in the pursuit of excellence.