During my first year at Westminster, I almost stopped believing in God. It was very hard switching to WCA for 8th grade and it was such a shocking doctrinal change from my previous Catholic school that it left me feeling confused in my faith. Being a Catholic in a non-denominational Christian school was a difficult predicament for me because it is hard to relate and feel comfortable with the religion that is being taught. For example, the first time I walked into chapel I assumed we were receiving communion only to find out that was not a practice Westminster participated in.

Westminster, being a school built on a reformed Presbyterian doctrine, at times overlooks the other religious beliefs and practices within its own walls. After several weeks of attending Westminster I started to question my faith, and religion as a whole frustrated me. A yearning for understanding and awareness of other doctrines in Westminster is deeply felt from those who do not feel acknowledged or visible in the spectrum of Westminster’s religious lens.

I’m not alone in feeling this way.

“[Catholicism] is not understood or even taught about at WCA. If it is taught within Westminster, those teaching it do not fully understand it or have very biased views,” said Hannah Eisenbath, sophomore and Catholic at Westminster. Being a Catholic and feeling different on a religious level is not uncommon among some Catholic students.

Core doctrinal beliefs that WCA adheres to apply to many branches of Christianity and the way in which they are taught is understandable and clear. Yet, a division along doctrinal lines continues to remain. Although great resources are provided, students should have the freedom whether to choose to accept them or to continue with their previous practices. Students may have different opinions, but they should never be ashamed by a difference in convictions on a matter that does not determine the quality of an individual as a whole.