Harvard Divinity School Expands Focus on Religion and Public Life

The school's new initiatives aim to promote 'religious literacy' across diverse professions.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Harvard Divinity School (HDS) is expanding its focus beyond traditional religious leadership and scholarship, increasingly emphasizing the intersection of faith and public life. The school has introduced new degree programs, including the Master of Religion and Public Life, and is offering professional development for secondary school teachers to incorporate religious studies into their curricula. This evolution reflects HDS's commitment to providing individuals with the 'language to understand the power of religion in human experience' and equipping professionals in various fields with a deeper understanding of the role of religion in shaping institutions and society.

Why it matters

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the ability to navigate the complex role of religion in geopolitical events, social movements, and public policy debates is becoming increasingly important. HDS's initiatives to promote 'religious literacy' across diverse professions aim to address this need and position the school as a key institution for addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the intersection of faith and public life.

The details

HDS, a nonsectarian institution within Harvard University, was founded in 1816 as the first non-denominational divinity school in the United States. While it initially served as a training ground for ministers, the school has deliberately charted a course independent of specific denominational control, a distinction that has set it apart from other theological institutions. Today, the school educates approximately 295 students representing over 35 religious traditions and those with no religious affiliation, with a significant majority receiving financial aid.

  • HDS was founded in 1816.
  • The school's 'Religion and Public Life' initiative was formally launched in October 2021.
  • HDS introduced its first new master's program in over 50 years, the Master of Religion and Public Life (MRPL), in 2021.
  • On February 9, 2026, HDS hosted a conversation on advancing scholarship in Judaism.
  • On January 27, 2026, HDS held a discussion on the 'sacred work of presence.'

The players

Harvard Divinity School (HDS)

A nonsectarian institution within Harvard University, founded in 1816 as the first non-denominational divinity school in the United States.

David N. Hempton

The Dean of Harvard Divinity School, who has overseen the school's 'Religion and Public Life' initiative.

Diane L. Moore

The faculty director of the 'Religion and Public Life' initiative at Harvard Divinity School, who emphasizes the core objective of providing individuals with 'the language to understand the power of religion in human experience.'

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What they’re saying

“The 'Religion and Public Life' initiative provides an umbrella for programs and scholarship across Harvard that explore the ways that religion is entwined with social, political, and economic dimensions of human experience and institutions.”

— David N. Hempton, Dean, Harvard Divinity School

“The core objective of the 'Religion and Public Life' initiative is to provide individuals with the language to understand the power of religion in human experience.”

— Diane L. Moore, Faculty Director, 'Religion and Public Life' Initiative, Harvard Divinity School

The takeaway

Harvard Divinity School's expanding focus on the intersection of faith and public life, through initiatives like the Master of Religion and Public Life program and professional development for educators, positions the school as a key institution for addressing the complex challenges and opportunities presented by the role of religion in shaping institutions and society in the 21st century.