News & Stories

For the HDS summer reading list, faculty and alumni offer reflections on their recently published books, showcasing the range of scholarly expertise and spiritual insight at the School. 

What was religious life like in America in 1776? In this episode of the Harvard Religion Beat podcast, Professor Catherine Brekus explores the beliefs, practices, and people that shaped the religious world during the American Revolution. 

Pope Leo XIV's recent encyclical addresses the threats and possibilities of artificial intelligence and affirms the dignity of human life in the digital age.

Harvard Divinity School lecturer Gina Zurlo explores the demographic shifts, global trends, and emerging questions that are reshaping faith and religious practice around the world.

Harvard Divinity School celebrated the Class of 2026 during the Multireligious Commencement Service on May 27 and the Diploma Awarding Ceremony on May 28. 

A workshop at Harvard Divinity School explored deep listening as a foundation for leadership, organizing, and community building. 

Read more about the spiritual, academic, and vocational journeys of some members of the class of 2026.

Former Republican U.S. Congressman Ric Keller, MRPL ’26, explored difference both in and out of the classroom at HDS, gathering insights he’ll use to help leaders disagree better without losing trust.

For graduating MTS student Ellie Ashby, the study of religion is inseparable from storytelling—tracing how faith is practiced, embodied, and understood in everyday life. 

At HDS, Manisha Agarwal explored the connections between spirituality and business, developing a framework to help business leaders make ethically informed decisions.

Ivy Wang and Sally Wang were recognized for senior papers exploring care, grief, accompaniment, and spiritual presence. 

Two Harvard Divinity School students have received 2026–27 Harvard Traveling Fellowships to pursue independent research. 

After three years of formational academic work and ministry experience at HDS, Ke’Von Singleton is poised to lead and serve in a variety of sectors—religious, academic, corporate, and beyond.

At Harvard Divinity School, Sarah Adegbite explored the religious histories of slavery and the power of ritual—and will continue that work at Harvard as a PhD student. 

As the American Unitarian Association marks its 200th anniversary, a look at the deep and evolving ties between Unitarian Universalism and Harvard Divinity School. 

HDS Professor Raúl Zegarra joins The Harvard Religion Beat to explore and analyze Pope Leo's first year as leader of the Catholic Church.

Annual competition celebrates Harvard Divinity School students who demonstrate outstanding preaching and pulpit presence. 

Through study of Buddhist and Hindu texts, mentorships with faculty, and affirming ministry experiences, Sabbi Lall’s call to chaplaincy was answered at Harvard Divinity School.

In this episode of Meaning Makers of HDS, airing in Earth Month, Aliyah Collins, MDiv '23, speaks about her impactful work in environmental advocacy and how she helps communities take hopeful action and find meaning in the wake of severe weather events. 

Hucks joins a distinguished cohort of scholars, artists, and leaders recognized for exceptional contributions to their fields. 

Students and alumni at Harvard Divinity School are transforming how we understand and respond to grief—bringing compassion, community, and new pathways to healing.

Historian Xi Lian discusses modern Chinese Christianity, “public Christianity” in post-Mao China, and how his year at Harvard Divinity School has shaped his research and teaching.

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, explore treasured artifacts at Harvard Divinity School Library, including rare items associated with Founding Fathers John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and George Washington.

Jesuit priest and anthropologist Ludovic Lado reflects on African Christianities, the role of dance in liturgy, and how his time at Harvard Divinity School has shaped his research and teaching. 

During a recent conversation at Harvard Divinity School, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and panelists discussed his four-part PBS documentary tracing the rich, complex history between Black and Jewish Americans.

Baber Johansen, Professor of Islamic Studies Emeritus, at Harvard Divinity School (HDS), passed away in late January 2026.

Rev. Kelly Brown Douglas joins The Harvard Religion Beat to explore faith, justice, and why hope is something we do—not just something we feel.

In this episode of the Hope Podcast, we speak with MRPL candidate Amy Brenneman about her coming back to Harvard, about writing the unknowns in a creative life, and about hope as an action. 

In this episode of the Hope Podcast, MDiv candidate Leah Gawel speaks about the intersections of the arts, religious trauma, and the healing and empowering transformations we can bear witness to.

Through personal story and theological reflection, HDS faculty examined how different Christian traditions wrestle with faith, justice, and love.