At a time when young adults are feeling isolated and lonely, faith-based and faith-inclusive colleges and universities must deepen young adults’ sense of purpose and provide belonging, Elder Clark G. Gilbert said at Harvard University.
“This is a nation calling for something more, something deeper,” he said.
Speaking on Thursday, March 26, to students and faculty at the Harvard Faculty Club, Elder Gilbert, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, discussed the role of faith in the public square.
“It is my prayer and my hope that people of faith will stand up, that they will be counted, that they will find ways—even if it takes multiple ‘at-bats’—to keep having their voices heard in the public square,” he said.
Before becoming an Apostle in February, Elder Gilbert was the commissioner of Church education and previously served as the president of BYU–Idaho and BYU–Pathway Worldwide. This address was a return to Harvard, where he earned his doctorate and taught in the business school. He spoke during a “Faith in the Public Square” series ahead of the university’s 2026 Faith and Veritas event—a universitywide gathering of Harvard’s Christian community.
Read the full Church News article about Elder Gilbert’s visit to Harvard.
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