With construction of the new Multi-faith Center, it is only fitting that Elon University is in the process of forming a Latter-day Saints Student Association.
Sophomore Sarah Lau is the founder and president of the LDSSA, and said the new organization will create a community for Mormons on campus. Alhough Elon has numerous Christian organizations, she said, Mormonism is different than Protestantism.
"We have a different set of doctrines that we believe in," she said.
In addition to the Bible, the doctrine includes the Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price and the Doctrine and Covenants.
Lau also noted that Latter-day Saints interpret some aspects of the Bible differently, and Mormons are of the restored church that Jesus started.
"There wasn't something to be a beacon for other prospective students to come," Lau said. "There's nothing on Elon's website that says Elon has LDS students."
Lau said she only knows four other Mormon students and four faculty members who are Mormon. With the creation of this new organization, Lau hopes more Latter-day Saints will come to Elon.
"There is more diversity to be had," said Phil Smith, associate chaplain and director of Religious Life.
The university is looking to increase the representation of different religions on campus, he said.
"It's not only for Latter-day Saint students, but also for non-Latter-day Saint students who want to learn more," Lau said.
The organization wants to help students have a greater understanding of the religion and the Mormon culture and tradition.
One future event will be a Mormon mythbusters night to educate and disprove misconceptions about the faith. Lau said the LDSSA will also have a weekly gathering, dinners and other fellowship events.
The organization is currently in the developmental phase of becoming official, but Lau said she has received a lot of support from faculty.
"With the Latter-day Saints Student Association, my goal would be to support them as a new group," Smith said. "I'm excited to see the LDSSA come on board"