Religion
Freshmen Split on Defunding Police, Other Hot-Button Political Issues
This third installment of The Crimson’s four-part survey of the Class of 2025 examines their beliefs on politics, religion, and Harvard issues, as well as aspects of their lifestyle, such as sex, drugs, mental health counseling, and technology.
Humanist Chaplain Greg Epstein Elected President of University Chaplains’ Organization
Humanist Chaplain Greg M. Epstein will serve as the president of the Organization of Harvard University Chaplains after being selected by more than 30 other chaplains of different faiths.
HUPD Investigating Two Vandalism Incidents at Harvard Hillel Amid Nationwide Rise in Anti-Semitism
The Harvard University Police Department is investigating two incidents of vandalism at the Harvard Hillel building that occurred within two weeks of each other in late May and sparked forceful emails from administrators.
City Council Votes to Terminate Contracts With Companies Allegedly Violating Human Rights, Drawing Criticism from Harvard Jewish Leaders
The Cambridge City Council voted to end its contract with companies that “perpetuate violations of International Human Rights Laws” during a Tuesday meeting that followed more than seven hours of public comment the previous day.
Matthew Potts Appointed as New Memorial Church Minister After Two-Year Search
Matthew Ichihashi Potts will serve as the next Pusey Minister in the Memorial Church and Plummer Professor of Christian Morals beginning July 1, University President Lawrence S. Bacow announced in an email to Harvard affiliates last Friday.
Harvard Chaplains Reflect On A Year of Religious Life in the Pandemic
Before the pandemic struck, Harvard’s religious groups would physically gather to worship, study scripture, perform service work, and enjoy food in each other’s company.
Harvard’s Muslim Students Celebrate Virtual Ramadan with Zoom Prayer Sessions, Care Packages, and New Halal Menu Options
Observing its second Ramadan of the pandemic, the College’s Muslim community is celebrating with virutal programming and enjoying halal meals from Harvard University Dining Services — a new offering that resulted from months of discussion between students and HUDS.
Sikhs and Companions Hold Vigil for Sikhs Killed in Indianapolis Shooting
Sikhs and Companions of Harvard hosted a vigil Sunday night to honor the victims of the recent mass shooting at a FedEx warehouse in Indianapolis, in which four of the eight victims of the attack were Sikh.
Harvard Hillel Executive Director Accuses Cornel West, Supporters of Furthering ‘Anti-Jewish Conspiracy Theory’ In Tenure Controversy
Responding to vigorous campus support for Professor Cornel R. West ’74 — who said last month Harvard declined to consider him for tenure in part due to his outspoken criticism of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians — Rabbi Jonah C. Steinberg, executive director of Harvard Hillel, criticized West for having “egged students on” in “scapegoating and demonizing” Jewish people.
Religious Groups Keep Faith During Pandemic, Remote Academic Year
As the College approaches the first anniversary of sending students home due to the pandemic, students said they have adopted new ways to practice their faith in the Covid-19 era, including attending reduced-capacity services, convening for religious conversations over Zoom, and seeking support from Harvard chaplains.
A ‘Public Enlightenment’: Harvard Divinity School Begins New Program in Religion and Public Life
The Harvard Divinity School launched a new program in Religion and Public Life this month, its first new degree program in 50 years.
Harvard Professors Discuss Role of Religion in the 2020 Election at Divinity School Lecture
Harvard professors discussed the evolving role of religion in the 2020 presidential election in a lecture hosted by the Divinity School Thursday.
Breach at Software Company May Have Compromised Harvard Affiliates' Demographic Data
A data breach at Blackbaud — the maker of a software the University uses for fundraising and donor engagement — may have put Harvard affiliates’ demographic data at risk.
Campus Faith Groups Celebrate Passover and Easter with Zoom Seders and Livestreamed Services
As Jewish and Christian communities around the world celebrate Passover and Easter, campus faith leaders have likewise been tasked with finding innovative ways to bring worshippers together.
Cambridge Religious Centers Rethink Daily Practices in the Wake of Coronavirus Pandemic
Harvard-affiliated religious leaders and Cambridge religious centers are rethinking how they will approach their services and day-to-day conduct in the wake of the global coronavirus pandemic.
Religious Rights Clinic
Harvard Law School designed a legal clinic to support the rights of clients in practicing their religion.
Harvard Hillel and Chabad to Increase Security Following Anti-Semitic Attacks
Harvard Hillel and Harvard Chabad will implement increased safety measures following a spate of anti-Semitic incidents across the nation, according to the group’s leaders.
Matthew L. Potts
Matthew L. Potts, Associate Professor of Religion and Literature and of Ministry Studies at Harvard Divinity School, is interested in how "Jesus Is King", Kanye West's new album, "plays with a tension in Christianity between the high and the low, the sacred and the mundane."
Paulsell Announces ‘Pilgrimage’ Theme for Memorial Church
Paulsell said in an interview that the concept of pilgrimage seemed well suited in characterizing the church’s leadership transition. She said that she considers pilgrimages to be “transformative” since they enable people to think about themselves and their relationships.
Professor Anne Monius, ‘Authentic’ and ‘Incredible’ Mentor and Religious Scholar, Dies at Age 54
Students and colleagues say Monius, who died on Aug. 3 at the age of 54, was an extraordinary teacher who closely mentored her students while conducting groundbreaking research.
Paulsell to Serve as Interim Minister at Memorial Church
Harvard Divinity School Professor Stephanie A. Paulsell will serve as interim minister of Memorial Church, University President Lawrence S. Bacow announced in an email Tuesday.
Harvard Police Investigating Racist, Anti-Semitic Email Sent to Students, Bacow
The Harvard University Police Department is investigating an email containing a litany of racist and antisemitic statements that was sent to University President Lawrence S. Bacow and multiple College students Monday.
Harvard Right to Life Runs Campaign for Student Health Insurance Plan Refunds for Abortion Coverage
Harvard Right to Life — a pro-life student organization at the College — ran a campaign this spring calling for students to request a refund for a small portion of Harvard University Health Services’ student insurance plan that goes toward funding abortions.
Students Criticize Harvard Lampoon for Anti-Semitic Image of Anne Frank
Hundreds of Harvard College students signed a petition denouncing the Harvard Lampoon, an undergraduate humor magazine, for its decision to publish an anti-Semitic Photoshopped image depicting Holocaust victim Anne Frank.
Memorial Church Minister Jonathan Walton to Leave Harvard for Wake Forest Deanship
Jonathan L. Walton, the Minister of Memorial Church and a professor at Harvard Divinity School, will leave the University at the end of this academic year to serve as the next dean of Wake Forest University School of Divinity, Walton announced Sunday.