Dear Members of our Humanist Community,
In times of political transition and uncertainty, it becomes even more crucial to reaffirm our fundamental values and our commitment to one another. As your Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard & MIT, we stand unwavering in our support for you and for the principles that guide us as humanists.
We want to be clear: our commitment to human dignity, reason and ethical action does not depend on who holds political office. Indeed, it is precisely in challenging times that these principles become most vital. We remain dedicated to:
- Supporting the worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their background, gender, beliefs, or origin
- Promoting peace, democracy, and universal human rights
- Combating racism, prejudice, and injustice in all their forms
- Applying reason, science, and free inquiry to solve the challenges we face
- Fostering creativity, knowledge, and personal fulfillment that harms no other
- Building bridges across differences through cooperation and shared values
To our international students and scholars: you are an essential part of our community. Your presence enriches our academic institutions and strengthens the fabric of our society. We stand with you.
To those feeling uncertain or afraid: know that you are not alone. Our chaplaincy remains a space where you can find support, understanding and fellowship. We are here to listen, to help, and to work together toward solutions.
To those who feel more positive about recent political developments: The Humanist community is open to diverse viewpoints, consistent with the core values of humanism, and believes that constructive and respectful dialogue about our differences can benefit all participants.
To all in our community: let us remember that humanism offers a powerful alternative to dogmatism, authoritarianism, and despair. We believe (because we have reasons to) in humanity's potential to solve problems through reason, compassion, and imagination. This is not mere optimism, but a commitment to active engagement in building a better world.
Our doors remain open to all who seek community, conversation, or support. We will continue to:
- Provide a space for respectful and open dialog and reflection
- Organize events that celebrate human creativity and achievement
- Support initiatives that promote social justice and human flourishing
- Foster critical thinking and ethical reasoning
- Build coalitions with others who share our humanitarian values
Whether you need help, wish to offer support to others, or simply want to engage in meaningful dialogue, please reach out.
In solidarity and hope,
Greg Epstein, Chaplain; Narath Carlile, Joseph Gerstein, Erik Gregory, Rebecca Goldstein, Steven Pinker, Jennifer Ibrahim, Ken Granderson, A.J. Kumar, David Buckley, Quinnie Lin, Darren Sears, Stephen Matheson, and Jeff Miller of the Board; and Rick Heller, Staff.
The Baccalaureate blessing given by Humanist Chaplain Greg Epstein.
Our Mission
The Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard & MIT works with atheists, agnostics, and allies at Harvard, MIT, and beyond to create an inclusive new model for how humanists celebrate life, promote reason and compassion, and better the world for all.
Our organization was founded as the first-ever “humanist chaplaincy” to serve nonreligious students at a college or university. In addition to providing humanist philosophical guidance and counseling for over 40 years, the Humanist Chaplaincy now sponsors and advises humanist, secular, and interfaith groups at Harvard and MIT, and creates inspirational public programs on a broad range of topics relevant to the rapidly growing secular population, with a special focus on ethical leadership in science, technology, and business.
Humanism is a progressive lifestance that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment, aspiring to humanity’s greater good — it is, in short, good without god.