Bishops to Speak at Brooks House

Bishops Thomas Shaw and Barbara Harris will deliver several speeches exploring the nature of prayer and social action to members of the Harvard community at Phillip Brooks House (PBH) in October.

Shaw has served as a superior to the Society of St. John the Evangelist and chaplain to the House of Bishops. Harris is known as the first woman bishop in the Anglican Communion.

The presentations will be delivered at PBH, which received its name in honor of an Episcopal bishop.

The bishops will initially deliver a joint address on Oct. 15, 1997. Shaw will speak again on Oct. 22, followed by Harris on Oct. 29.

Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III-who sits on a committee of students, administrators and local representatives of the Episcopal Church that is planning the discussion series-said that he hopes the talks will promote understanding of religious and spiritual practices.

"The purpose of the bishops' visit is to indicate to students the importance of discussion about religious issues and of establishing contact with Harvard's tradition of religious exploration," Epps said. "I hope to signal to the student body that questions of curiosity about religion are very important."

Amanda H. Beck '00, another member of the committee, said she hopes the bishops' visits strongly capture student interest.

"We're very excited to have the bishops come to Harvard and we hope this will encourage the students on campus to investigate the religious opportunities available here," Beck said.

Epps' office is also working on a larger Ivy League project on religious pluralism and spirituality.

Inspired last year by the work of Professor of Comparative Religion and Indian Studies Diana L. Eck, the coordinated effort among the schools will culminate in a conference on the topic at Wellesley next fall.