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| Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks to students and faculty at Harvard University about the role of faith-based colleges in American pluralism and diversity in society at the Harvard Faculty Club on the Cambridge, Massachusetts, campus on Thursday, March 26, 2026. |
CAMBRIDGE, MA — In a return to his academic roots, Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addressed students and faculty at the Harvard Faculty Club this week, delivering a stirring defense of religious pluralism in an increasingly secular age.
Speaking on Thursday, March 26, 2026, the former Harvard Business School professor and current Church leader tackled the "loneliness epidemic" head-on, arguing that faith-based institutions are the essential "missing piece" for a generation searching for purpose.
The Data Behind the Disconnect
Elder Gilbert’s message was grounded in sobering statistics. Citing recent Harvard studies and U.S. Surgeon General reports, he highlighted a growing crisis among young adults:
- The Loneliness Gap: Gen Z is now the loneliest generation in American history, a trend Gilbert links to a lack of religious affiliation.
- A Crisis of Purpose: Nearly 60% of young adults report feeling a lack of meaning in their lives.
- The Rise of the "Nones": While more Americans identify as religiously unaffiliated, data shows these individuals often report the lowest levels of happiness and satisfaction.
- Background: Earned his doctorate and taught at Harvard Business School.
- Leadership: Former President of BYU–Idaho and BYU–Pathway Worldwide.
- Current Role: Sustained as an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2026.
"America needs faith," Elder Gilbert told the audience. "The majority of 'nones' want God in their life. They pray... they’re feeling the gap in their lives with no faith."
The "Faith-Based Boom" in Higher Education
Contrary to the narrative of a dying religious landscape, Elder Gilbert pointed to a significant surge in faith-based enrollment. Between 2000 and 2025, the BYU system alone grew by over 100,000 students.
He noted that students—even those who don't identify as religious—are flocking to institutions that integrate faith and character development into the curriculum. This trend, he argued, proves that faith and reason are not in conflict, but are complementary forces essential for a thriving society.
A Call to "Get Back Up to Bat"
In a sports-inspired metaphor that resonated with the student audience, Elder Gilbert urged people of faith to be resilient in the face of public skepticism.
"If you are a person of faith, you have to keep going back up to bat," he remarked. "You have to be happy with a lower batting percentage because of the pressures and biases against people of faith in the public square."
He concluded by inviting the Harvard community to champion a more inclusive version of pluralism—one where religious voices are not just tolerated, but welcomed as vital contributors to the national conversation.
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