The Dalhousie Multifaith Centre operates in accord with the founding principles of the University, particularly as expressed in the dream of George Ramsay, who in the Nineteenth Century as the Ninth Earl of Dalhousie, then the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, established Dalhousie as a college that was open to all people regardless of class or creed.

"Such an Institution in Halifax, open to all occupations and sects of Religion, restricted to such branches only as are applicable to our present state, and having the power to expand with the growth and improvement of our Society, would, I am confident, be found of important service to the Province."

From the early dreams of George Ramsay, Dalhousie University would embody the liberal idea of "tolerance," with no religious or political obstacles to be placed in the way of faculty or students. At the Laying of the Cornerstone on May 22, 1820, Lord Dalhousie said that this University was "founded on the principles of religious tolerance."

The Dalhousie University chaplains abide by the spirit of the founding principles of the University by:

1. respecting the human dignity of all persons regardless of belief;

2. assisting members of the university community in recognizing and enhancing the spiritual dimension of their lives;

3. emphasizing the integration of the spiritual dimensions with the intellectual dimensions of the university;

4. facilitating interfaith and intercultural dialogue that will contribute to wholesome relationships, unity, and understanding on the campuses, while respecting the distinct and unique teachings of the diverse religious traditions;

5. being available in times of special opportunity, or need, to counsel or to refer, as well as to give support and encouragement during times of traumas, indecision, or other difficulties;

6. assisting individuals or groups in achieving spiritual growth and personal authenticity within the university environment, without aggression or coercion;

7. conducting services of worship and leading the community in prayer at such various gatherings as the convocations, memorial services, and student orientation events as well as being available to perform the traditional ceremonies likes marriages, etc.