Pluralism and Episcopal Heritage
The Episcopal heritage of Trinity College remains evident in our name, our Chapel and its leadership. And our high value of pluralism has roots in that same history and heritage.
Anglicanism is broad in its embrace of all persons, in its affirmation of the dignity of every human being, and in its celebration of the life of the mind.
The second oldest college in Connecticut, Trinity College was founded in 1823 as Washington College, just five years after the disestablishment of Congregationalism as the state religion. Consistent with the forces of religious diversity and toleration at that time, the school’s charter prohibits the imposition of religious conformity on students, faculty members, or other members of the college.
Highly compatible with religious pluralism, the Episcopal tradition welcomes vigorous intellectual life as well as diversity, inclusion, and innovation. Our diverse team of personnel including full time college employees, stipendiary staff, and affiliated personnel is led by The Rev. Marcus Halley, college chaplain and dean of spiritual and religious life. We hope you find a spiritual home among us and across campus wherever persons seek to serve one another in love and work together for the common good.
The mission of the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life centers on these commitments:
- to create opportunities for regular religious observance and spiritual practice and for moral and ethical reflection;
- extraordinary music making that enriches the life of the college and the wider Hartford community;
- to build communities of hospitality and inclusion that honor distinct perspectives while promoting respect, appreciation, and common values;
- to live out our beliefs and values through action centered on justice;
- to cultivate wellbeing and thriving for all persons.
