The Corporation's Settlement

The Corporation's decision to open Memorial Church to private services of non-Protestant religions is a welcome one. While not so significant as the 1886 decree ending compulsory chapel, this latest addition to religious policy reaffirms the University's liberal tradition.

By changing the statutes governing Memorial Church, the Corporation has made it an institution which recognizes the diversity of religious opinion at Harvard as well as preserving the spirit in which the church was dedicated. Such a transformation will establish the church more firmly in Harvard's religious life than it could have been on its narrower base.

But the ruling does more than strengthen Memorial Church. It settles one of the chief points of discussion of the past few weeks and allows more constructive consideration of the general question of religion's place at Harvard. Such discussion, when rational and impersonal, clarifies issues and benefits the University. The Corporation's action has smoothed the way for further objective examination and has bolstered Harvard's acceptance of diversity, and for both the College is grateful.