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Faith in Cambridge

Cambridge is home to a diverse range of faith societies

Girton Chapel & faith

Faith in Cambridge

Cambridge is home to a diverse range of faith societies, offering opportunities for worship, community, and discussion. Whether you’re looking to connect with others who share your beliefs, explore different traditions, or take part in interfaith activities, there are many student-led groups that provide support and a welcoming space. Below is a list of faith societies in Cambridge, along with links to their activities and contact details.

 

College Prayer and Meditation Room 

Girton’s Prayer and Meditation Room is on the Woodlands D corridor next to the Welfare Room, which is available for prayer and meditation in any religious tradition. The Porters will be glad to show you where it is, and can give you the key. The Prayer and Meditation Room is jointly managed by the Junior Bursar and the Chaplain. 

If you have questions or concerns, please email prayerroom@girton.cam.ac.uk.

Bahá’í 

Cambridge University Bahá'í Society 

The Society runs weekly evening discussions, and is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about Bahá'í teachings and practice. 

Buddhism 

Cambridge Buddhist Centre 

Meditation classes, events, yoga, mindfulness, Dharma Night classes, and community – located on Newmarket Road, close to the Grafton Shopping Centre. www.cambridgebuddhistcentre.com Cambridge University Buddhist Society This is a student-led society offering weekly discussion evenings, meditation, social events and more. 

Islam

ISoc – Cambridge University Islamic Society 

ISoc serves the social, spiritual and academic needs of Muslim students and fosters community through a vibrant and inclusive society based on mutual beliefs and strengthened by friendship. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re Muslim, interested in Islam or simply looking for a friendly face! 

Cambridge Central Mosque 

The Central Mosque is located at the far end of Mill Road, only about two miles from the city centre. It is a new building with a large, diverse worshipping community. There is also a garden and a café. 

Judaism 

Jewish Chaplaincy 

Jewish Chaplaincy in Cambridge is offered by University Jewish Chaplaincy, whose current Cambridge/East Anglia chaplain is Rabbi Dr Harvey Belovski. 

Cambridge University Jewish Society 

The Society is open to all Jewish students, regardless of affiliation, background, or level of religious observance. They offer Friday night dinners, socials, speaker events, and discussion groups. The synagogue is at 3 Thompson’s Lane. 

Beth Shalom Synagogue 

Beth Shalom is a Reform Synagogue, located on Aukland Road, which is just off Maid’s Causeway, close to the Grafton shopping centre. It has a choir, and drama and dance groups, as well as regular Shabbat worship and more. Their website also has a useful page on other Jewish organisations and activities in Cambridge. 

Chabad of Cambridge 

Rabbi Dr Reuven & Rochel Leigh founded Chabad of Cambridge in 2003, whose programmes include the Cambridge University Chabad Jewish Society, The Cambridge Hebrew School, Ganeinu Childcare Service and The Cambridge Mikvah.

Hindu 

Cambridge University Hindu Cultural Society 

The Hindu Cultural Society is one of the largest faith societies in the University, and provides a community for all students to practise Hinduism and lean more about the Hindu religion. The Society fosters community and encourages its members to cultivate and explore their Hindu identity through learning and celebratory events, and providing opportunities for social and charitable action. 

Sikh 

Cambridge University Sikh Society 

The Cambridge University Sikh Society (CU Sikh Soc) is a small but budding society, bringing together Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike to provide an insight into the Sikh religion, and sharing vibrant culture, traditions and values to enhance the society’s members knowledge of key aspects of the Sikh religion, through talks, exhibitions and other events including Rehraas, Gurpurab and Vaisakhi dinner. 

Cambridge Gurdwara 

Unitarian 

A small, open and inclusive community located just beyond the bus station, opposite Christ’s Pieces.

Humanist 

Cambridge Humanist Group (CHG)

CHG runs discussions and social events focused on promoting skepticism, humanism, and responsibility for personal actions.

Christianity 

College Chapels and Chaplains 

Most Colleges have a Chaplain or equivalent. Most of the Chapels are affiliated with the Church of England (though Girton and Robinson are ecumenical, and St Edmund’s is Roman Catholic). Girton College Chapel offers a regular pattern of worship during term time, which is often centred around the choral tradition.. As well as a place where services take place, it is a space for everyone in the College community – of all faiths or none – for quiet reflection, prayer or meditation. There are sometimes music rehearsals in Chapel, but it is mostly free and peaceful. Please do make use of this beautiful space at any time. Services in the Chapel, mostly in the Anglican Christian tradition, are also for anybody who wants to come – from whatever faith, background or tradition. The Chapel community fosters a welcoming and inclusive culture, including in matters of sexuality and gender, and the services can provide a welcome stability and rhythm amongst the busyness of College life. There are opportunities to get involved with Chapel life, whether through the choir, as a Chapel warden, reading at services, joining in with discussion groups and more. People go to their College Chapel services for all sorts of reasons – you don’t have to be religious.

Fisher House, the Roman Catholic Chaplaincy 

Fisher House is a large community offering worship, fellowship, discussion groups, and opportunities for social action. It’s located close to the market place, behind Lion’s Yard / the Grand Arcade, on the corner by the Corn Exchange.

Student-led Christian Organisations 

Cambridge Intercollegiate Christian Union (CICCU) 

CICCU is an evangelical Christian student society, with reps in each College who convene the activities and encourage people to participate in university-wide events and programme. 

Just Love 

A student-led movement focusing on social and environmental justice, which runs events, lunch and discussion, prayer guides, and opportunities to engage in transformative social justice projects locally and beyond.

Cambridge Student Christian Movement (SCM) / Heartsease 

SCM is an inclusive, nondenominational Christian community of students and young people, meeting weekly to share worship, fellowship and Christian witness. Diversity of thought, identity and spirituality are encouraged, and the aim is to provide sanctuary and spiritual welcome to all. SCM is explicitly inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ+ people. Heartsease is SCM’s weekly meeting (at Michaelhouse) for reflection, discussion, and worship. 

Church of England 

There are very many churches in or near Cambridge city centre, here arranged alphabetically, but beginning with the University Church. Please ask the Chaplain if you would like advice.

Great St Mary’s, the University Church 

Great St Mary’s (also known as GSM) offers a variety of worship and fellowship, including a significant choral tradition, and events and services six days a week in the church and at nearby Michaelhouse (half church, half café). Great St Mary’s is church opposite the Senate House. Michaelhouse is just down Trinity Street, on the right. Great St Mary’s is a member of the Inclusive Church Movement. 

Roman Catholic 

Orthodox 

Baptist 

Independent 

Lutheran 

Presbyterian 

Salvation Army 

Quaker