Hunt Championed Religious Diversity

To the editors:

Thank you for your excellent article (News, “University Marshal Retires,” Sept. 9) about the retirement of University Marshall Richard M. Hunt. Although generations of Harvard students may remember him for his very visible role as master of ceremonies at Commencement and other special convocations, your readers may not know about a contribution to the University community that directly enriches all of us now and will undoubtedly become even more significant for future generations.

As chair of the Faculty Committee on Religion, Hunt deserves much of the credit for the growing institutional sensitivity in recent years to all the communities of faith represented here. Under his leadership the comprehensive Calendar of Religious Observances and Holidays was conceived and published. By noting work and dietary restrictions, this calendar helps us to be more aware of and sensitive to the religious practices of others. Our public observances, our respect for individual differences and our recognition of conflicts between academic and religious obligations have all benefited immensely from his distinguished and dedicated service.

In all of his many contributions to Harvard, Hunt was impeccably gracious and modest. The many visitors he hosted, as well as those of us who live here immediately, appreciated his deep appreciation for Harvard traditions and his mastery of protocol. But his greatest legacy may well be the integrity and commitment he brought to quietly moving Harvard into academic policies and public practices more respectful of our religious diversity.

The Rev. G. Stewart Barns

Sept. 19, 2002

The writer is Episcopal Chaplain with the United Ministry at Harvard.