In 2021, more than 33 million guests traveled through Houston Airports, representing every faith and creed and walk of life. Their travel was initiated not only for business or leisure but also included journeys predicated by sorrow, illness, and personal tragedy. It is for them that both George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport have interfaith chapels open to all – important spaces for meditation, reflection, prayer, and worship regardless of religious – or nonreligious affiliations.  

“Our chapels are reflective of the character of the City of Houston,” said Liliana Rambo, Chief Terminal Management Officer at Houston Airports. “They are designed to cater to the needs of anyone who wants to take advantage of the quiet space they offer. Anyone who choose to come is welcome to do so.” 

In addition to the availability of the chapels, eight chaplains serve at Houston Airports, and are available one day a week at both Bush and Hobby airports. Brett Jones, one of two Executive Chaplains who serve Houston Airports, said, “Chapels offer a much-needed spiritual refuge from the hassle and rigors of air travel, further exacerbated by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

Houston Airport Interfaith Chapels aren’t simply structures where people can gather – they are active organizations that stress community involvement through healthy interaction and fundraising. The nonprofit organization has donated funds to victims of natural disasters, families in need, and also puts on fundraisers and offers annual scholarships for continuing education. 

Jones said that Houston Airports Interfaith Chapels offer a variety of worship services for different faith traditions. “Every religion and sect are recognized, and each tradition is valued and respected for its benefit to mankind,” according to the chaplain. 

Jones has served the airport system as an Executive Chaplain for 22 years and firmly believes the importance of the chapels is greater now than at any time since 9-11, Sept. 11, 2001.  

“I had only been serving for a couple of years when that fateful day changed our world,” he said. “I consoled flight attendants who learned their co-workers perished and tried to calm the jangled nerves of people trying to determine how they were going to get back home when home was a thousand miles away.”  

“Through the years we’ve conducted weddings and memorial services, served notice to new fathers, stood at the gate waiting to bear fateful news to a family member, and accompanied our fallen soldiers’ return home to grieving families. We’ve shared the happiness of scholarship winners and participated in the joy of restoration in times of widespread tragedy.”  

There are two Interfaith Chapels located at Bush Airport. The first is located in Terminal C near Gates 29-33 and the newest chapel can be found in Terminal D, near Gate 8. 

There are two Interfaith Chapels at Hobby Airport. The new Interfaith Chapel is located in the Central Concourse near Gate 40, and the second is located in baggage claim. 

Airport chapels are built for airport guests and airport staff.  Today, chapels open their doors every single day to staff and to many millions of guests traveling through an airport’s host city. 

“Our many employees that stop in for a few minutes, some daily, gain strength for their day and calmness for their souls,” Jones said. “As some meditate and some silently pray, there may be representatives of several world faiths sharing the same room, quietly honoring all who are around them,” he said. 

“This is what an interfaith chapel does… it proves to the world that love is stronger than hate, joy is better than sorrow, and despite naysayers, we can love and support one another even if we have points on which we disagree. The saying is very true… we can be brothers and not be twins.” 

Jones said that the individuals who serve on the Houston Airport Interfaith Chapels’ Board of Directors are volunteers from all sectors of the airport community united to make Houston remain in each traveler’s memory “as a place that comforted them and made their travels better.” 

Houston Airport Interfaith Chapels is a 501(c) (3) organization, and donations are tax deductible. For any questions or if someone would like to donate, please visit the Houston Airport Interfaith Chapels website: https://houstonairportchapel.com/. Additionally, Houston Airport Interfaith Chapels welcomes contributions made through the City of Houston’s annual Combined Municipal Campaign (CMC), with a CMC Agency Code of 2283.