Harvard Divinity School Names Dean

The Rev. J. Bryan Hehir was named dean of Harvard Divinity School, becoming the first Roman Catholic to head the academic institution, Harvard University said this week.

The announcement comes three months after it became public that his predecessor as dean, Ronald Thiemann, a Lutheran minister, was forced out after thousands of pornographic files were found on his university computer.

Hehir, who has been acting as Thiemann’s successor since November, will assume the title of chair of the divinity school.

A theologian specializing in studies on Roman Catholic social teaching, Hehir will continue his role with the Catholic Relief Services and his pastoral commitments as a parish priest.