I would like to thank you for the feature section titled "Faith, Religion, and Education" in the April 13 issue of the Messenger. The authors of the articles discussed many pertinent topics tracing the history of St. Olaf as a college of the church. However, I noticed that a few of St. Olafıs religious student organizations were not mentioned in the box on page 7, and Iıd like to address them.

The organizations mentioned included the Catholic Student Association (CSA), the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF), Pagan and Alternative Religious Associations and the Christian Activities Network (CAN). The article correctly stated that CAN functions as an "umbrella network" to unite the Christian groups on campus. This includes CSA, FCA and IVCF.

In addition to these fellowship groups, CAN represents the Student Congregation, Thursday Night Bible Study, Selah, St. Olaf Christian Outreach (SCO), and CARE Ministries. The Student Congregation includes all who participate in the weekly worship and daily chapel services led by Pastors Benson and Koenig. A service of Compline is also held in the chapel on Wednesday nights. Thursday Night Bible Study explores a variety of biblical topics with a pastor from a local church. Selah is a Sunday night, contemporary vespers service held in the Pause. SCO organizes youth retreats at different churches around the area. Finally, CARE Ministries is a group of peer mediators who have been trained to listen and give advice. This is a very brief summary of some other religious student organizations on campus.

CAN is a representative for what we like to call "Christians At Large." In addition, students should be aware that a lot of so-called "Christian activity" goes on in groups not directly served by CAN. For example, we have collaborated with the Gospel Choir in the past. An e-mail devotion group titled "Word of the Day" also reaches many Christian students, both on and off campus. Many Christian students have also become involved in a new organization called the Respect for Life Society. Overall, CAN strives to work with various groups to find ways to create a more welcoming, accepting Christian environment on campus.

I raise these points in the hope that students will recognize the variety of religious, and specifically Christian, activities at St. Olaf. These groups do not intend to compete with one another for members, but to offer "different pieces of the Christian pie," so to speak. We understand that Christianity can be expressed and practiced in a variety of ways, and each group seeks to satisfy a spiritual hunger particular to a personıs need.

Each of these groups invites all interested students, regardless of religious affiliation, to attend their meetings. More information about specific groups can be found by visiting the CAN office in the SORC or by contacting CANıs student coordinators, Justin Hilden and Christina Hansen.