Krister Stendahl, who played a crucial role in shaping the life and work of Harvard Divinity School, just as he was also a pioneer in the broader realm of ecumenical relations, died on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at the age of 86. He had been in failing health for several years.

At the time of his death, Stendahl was Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Divinity Emeritus and former Dean of the Faculty of Divinity at Harvard. But while he had been affiliated with the University since 1954, Stendahl, through his biblical scholarship, teaching, interfaith work, and church and academic...