Legacy Emanuel Opens New Interfaith Chapel

Inclusive Sacred Space Unveiled

Legacy Emanuel President Bahaa Wanly and Pastor Matt Hennessee, Vancouver Avenue Baptist Church, celebrate the opening of Legacy Emanuel new Interfaith Chapel at the hospital (Photo Courtesy of Legacy Health.

Over a decade in the making, a new Interfaith Chapel is now open at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. This non-denominational sacred space honors the hospital’s roots in the Lutheran tradition while reflecting its ongoing commitment to holistic care for a diverse community. The chapel will serve patients, visitors, and staff from Legacy Emanuel, Randall Children’s Hospital, and the Legacy Oregon Burn Center. As a Level 1 trauma center, Legacy Emanuel recognizes the importance of providing a peaceful space for solace, especially for those facing unexpected or critical medical situations. “While there are great complexities in healthcare, we continue to remain grounded in the simple reality that we are human beings caring for other human beings. And we are excited and grateful for all the ways our new chapel will support us in this work,” said Bahaa Wanly, president of Legacy Emanuel.

Designed to welcome people of all backgrounds and faith traditions, the chapel offers a quiet place for pause, prayer, reflection, and meditation. Its design incorporates meaningful elements that represent universal themes of nature, life, and renewal. These include a labyrinth to encourage mindfulness and indicate the direction of Mecca; the calming presence of water symbolized through blue light and fountains; and a striking glass depiction of a willow tree, symbolizing resilience and the cycles of life. With accessibility and inclusivity at the heart of its design, the chapel stands as a vital extension of Legacy Emanuel’s mission to care for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.