Amherst College has a Muslim chaplain, a Buddhist chaplain, and a Hindu chaplain. Now, after the school hosted a bizarre sexual ceremony in the college’s main chapel, it is looking for a Christian one, too.
A job posting on ChristianUniversityJobs.com says that Amherst is seeking a part-time Christian chaplain who will "advance equity, belonging, and interreligious understanding." The post comes as the school faces blowback for an orientation event in which students mimed sex acts in the college’s Johnson Chapel, a space used for religious services and convocations.
Four administrators were laid off in the wake of a Washington Free Beacon report on the performance, which was sponsored by staff-controlled groups. Students expressed dismay at the performance, describing it as "grossly sexual," "disturbing," and "dystopian."
Though Amherst was founded over two centuries ago to prepare Christian men for ministry, the school does not have a Christian chaplain.
The job post reads like a half-hearted mea culpa for that omission. Candidates must have the "ability to teach Christian tenets"—the post does not specify which ones—and uphold "the College's values of inclusion and student wellbeing."
"The Christian Chaplain serves a vital function in the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life (RSL) by supporting our Christian community, (particularly students) as well as the broader campus community," the post says. "While primarily focused on Christian programming, advising, and pastoral care, the Christian Chaplain also contributes to interfaith, contemplative, and service programs sponsored by RSL."
"The Chaplain provides a welcoming ministry to a diverse student population and College community and contributes to campus efforts that advance equity, belonging, and interreligious understanding," it continues. "The Christian Chaplain serves as the College's primary institutional point of contact for Christian life, working in collaboration with external campus ministries while upholding the College's values of inclusion and student wellbeing."
Amherst did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Correction 5:36 p.m.: This article has been updated to indicate that Amherst students were encouraged to attend an August 2025 orientation event. It was not mandatory.
