Rich Tafel, MDiv ’87, the CEO of Public Squared and Pastor at Church of Holy City, centers conflict resolution, compassion, dialogue, and community building in his impactful work.
The following is from the Harvard Divinity School alumni-focused article series.
Describe the work you do today:
In 2015, I took on the challenge of becoming pastor of a Swedenborgian Church in Washington, DC, with only four members, all in their late 70s. With a focus on dialogue following the sermons and support for Spiritual Entrepreneurs, I’ve created a growing young congregation. This year, the church purchased a new home in Dupont Circle, known as Swedenborg House, to host worship, dialogue, and community building. In 2021, as the CEO of Public Squared, I developed a new training that helps leaders navigate conflict and increase compassion. This Cultural Translation training has been provided to the White House Leadership Program, the Admirals of the US Navy, Nonprofits, Faith-based groups, and businesses. The program is now partnering with the Society for Human Resource Management to help create a more inclusive workplace and collaborating with Equality Utah to train activists on how to engage across differences. In 2025, I will release a book outlining the process of engaging across diverse worldviews.
How has your HDS degree influenced your career journey?
In my first term at HDS, I studied faith development through James Fowler’s work. This dovetailed with spiritual developmental theory I had learned through Swedenborg. Rich’s current training model, called Cultural Translation, is based on what I learned in terms of developmental theory, informed by a life of activism. I also had the honor of working with some giants at HDS. Fr. Henri Nouwen was a teacher and friend who helped open the heart side of spirituality. Rev. Peter Gomes was a mentor and dear friend. I served for three years as a seminarian and then became Assistant Minister at Memorial Church for an additional five years, which prepared me in countless ways for ministry. I also managed the minister’s house, Sparks House. I’m now opening a home in DC for spiritual seekers, and I fondly remember the mentoring I received while managing Sparks House. In addition, I had the opportunity to experience the three dominant worldviews—Traditional, Modern, and Postmodern — at HDS. These insights underlie my training.
What career advice would you offer to current HDS students?
Do everything you can to get out of your head and into your heart while you are there. The pull toward the mind is wonderful, but the spiritual skills of empathy, compassion, forgiveness, and standing up for justice will be developed in your soul. Enjoy the amazing intellectual environment and seek out opportunities to nurture your passions. Become a Spiritual Entrepreneur if you can. Chart your course and follow your call. Learn how to align the funding you’ll need with where you feel called. My first gig after graduation was as an Assistant at Memorial Church, where Rev. Gomes tasked me with fundraising. After three years of studying mysticism, I was incredibly disappointed to be tasked with raising money. In retrospect, I’m eternally grateful that I learned the practical skills necessary to chart my own path. Find ways to get the practical skills of fundraising, organizational development, and management to your deepest calling.