The Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) is one of the oldest and most recognizable titles in religious academia. It is also one of the most misunderstood. In some countries, it is a higher doctorate earned through decades of scholarly publication. In others, it is an honorary recognition conferred on clergy and lay leaders for their service to the church. And in some contexts, it has been commercialized and abused. This guide explains who legitimately awards the honorary Doctor of Divinity, what the title actually means, how it differs from an earned theological doctorate, and what recipients and observers should know in 2026.
What Is a Doctor of Divinity?
The Doctor of Divinity — in Latin, Doctor Divinitatis, abbreviated D.D. or DDiv — is a degree in the field of divinity, theology, and religious studies. Its character varies dramatically by country and institution.
In the United Kingdom, the D.D. is traditionally a higher doctorate — the highest religious doctorate granted by universities, conferred upon a religious scholar of standing and distinction for a substantial body of published work. It is awarded for accomplishments beyond the Ph.D. level [citation:2][citation:14].
In the United States, the D.D. is almost always an honorary degree. It is conferred by a church-related college, seminary, or university to recognize a recipient’s ministry-oriented accomplishments or significant contributions to the church [citation:1][citation:2].
In the Catholic Church, the D.D. is typically an honorary degree, often conferred upon a bishop. The highest earned degree in Catholic theology is the Doctor of Sacred Theology (STD), not the D.D. [citation:2].
Who Awards the Honorary Doctor of Divinity?
Legitimate honorary D.D. degrees are awarded by established theological institutions and church-related universities. The specific bodies authorized to confer the degree vary.
Seminaries and Theological Schools
Seminaries are the most common awarding bodies. The Episcopal Church’s glossary defines the D.D. as “an honorary degree that may be awarded by a seminary to a member of the clergy or laity in recognition of significant contributions to the church” [citation:1].
In 2026, Virginia Theological Seminary conferred an honorary Doctor of Divinity on the Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, Dean of Washington National Cathedral, in recognition of his “selfless, life-giving ministry and radical hospitality” [citation:4]. The same year, St. Mary’s Seminary & University announced it would confer the degree on Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim, Norway, citing his international impact as a writer and speaker on spirituality [citation:16].
Church-Related Universities
Some universities with religious foundations also award the honorary D.D. The University of Chichester in England conferred an honorary Doctor of Divinity on Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in September 2026, recognizing his service to theology, interreligious dialogue, and environmental protection [citation:12].
Divinity Colleges and Federated Institutions
Divinity colleges affiliated with universities may also award the degree. McMaster University’s honorary degrees include a Doctor of Divinity “awarded on the recommendation of the McMaster Divinity College for outstanding service to, or scholarship in, the religious community” [citation:5]. Knox College at the University of Toronto awards the D.D. honoris causa to ordained ministers, elders, and other members of the Presbyterian Church in Canada [citation:6].
What Legitimate Awarding Bodies Have in Common
- Formal governance: Awards are approved by boards, senates, or faculties — not by a single individual
- Clear criteria: Publicly stated standards for what constitutes significant contribution
- Confidential nomination: Candidates are not informed in advance and do not apply [citation:10]
- No payment: Legitimate honors are never sold
What the Honorary D.D. Actually Means
An honorary Doctor of Divinity is a recognition of contribution to the church, to theological understanding, or to religious life. It is not a certification of academic achievement.
Recognition of Service and Leadership
The degree typically honors sustained ministry, leadership in religious institutions, or public witness. Virginia Theological Seminary’s 2026 citation for Dean Hollerith praised his advocacy for diversity, inclusion, and racial reconciliation, his removal of Confederate monuments from the Cathedral, and his expansion of the Cathedral’s community reach [citation:4].
Atlantic School of Theology’s criteria describe the degree as recognizing persons who “exemplify the ecumenical ethos” of the institution and who are “perceived as bridge-builders,” with outstanding lifelong contributions in church, community, public service, culture, arts, or education [citation:10].
Not an Academic Qualification
Under U.S. federal law, a 1974 judgment accepted expert opinion that an “Honorary Doctor of Divinity is a strictly religious title with no academic standing” [citation:2]. This means the D.D. does not certify completion of academic study and should not be represented as equivalent to an earned doctorate.
Denominational and Institutional Standing
In some traditions, the honorary D.D. carries specific denominational significance. In the Episcopal Church, seminaries frequently confer the degree on alumni who are consecrated bishops [citation:1]. In the Catholic Church, it is often conferred upon bishops [citation:2].
Honorary D.D. vs. Earned D.D. (and Other Theological Doctorates)
The distinction between honorary and earned theological doctorates is critical, particularly because the D.D. exists in both forms depending on jurisdiction.
The Earned D.D. in the UK
In the United Kingdom, the D.D. is a higher doctorate awarded for a substantial body of original published research. Candidates submit a collection of work previously published in peer-reviewed contexts, pay an examination fee, and face review by a committee of internal and external academics. Most universities restrict candidacy to graduates or academic staff of several years’ standing [citation:2][citation:14].
The Earned Doctorates in Theology (US and Beyond)
In the United States, students seeking an earned doctoral degree in theology typically pursue a PhD or a Doctor of Theology (ThD). The D.D. is not the standard earned theological doctorate in the American system [citation:2][citation:13].
In the Catholic pontifical university system, the highest earned degree in theology is the Doctor of Sacred Theology (STD) [citation:2].
Honorary D.D. at a Glance
- Basis: Contribution to church, ministry, or religious life
- Requirements: No coursework, examinations, or dissertation
- Process: Nomination by others; committee review; board approval
- Title usage: Often referred to as “Dr.” in religious contexts, though the academic standing is honorary
- Common recipients: Clergy, bishops, lay leaders, religious scholars, public figures with religious contributions
The Problem of Abuse: Fake D.D. Degrees
Because the honorary D.D. has no universal regulatory framework, it has attracted bad actors. This is a significant issue in 2026, particularly in regions with high demand for religious credentials.
The “Donation” Model
A 2024 study in the Stellenbosch Theological Journal documented institutions that offer honorary doctorates in exchange for “donations” to support their ministries. One such institution stated: “We do not sell the Doctorate, but we honour the great work the individual has done. We ask for a donation to support our international Ministries” [citation:3]. This model is widely recognized as a form of degree selling.
Unaccredited Institutions
The same study identified multiple unaccredited institutions conferring honorary doctorates on pastors and public figures. One institution used interchangeable names and affiliations, a red flag for fraudulent operations. Another was found to be “not registered with the Department of Higher Education” and “has no authority to issue PhD in philosophy” [citation:3].
The Universal Life Church Precedent
In the United States, the 1974 case Universal Life Church v. United States affirmed that a bona fide church may issue honorary Doctor of Divinity certificates as a religious title, so long as issuance is limited to instruction in the principles of that church [citation:2]. However, the church’s founder himself described the certificate as “just a little piece of paper” with no value [citation:2].
How to Verify an Honorary Doctor of Divinity
If you have been offered an honorary D.D., or if you are evaluating someone’s claim to the title, follow these verification steps.
Step 1: Identify the Awarding Institution
Ask which institution is conferring the degree. Legitimate institutions are transparent about their identity, governance, and accreditation status.
Step 2: Check Accreditation or Recognition
In the United States, check whether the institution is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA. In the UK, check whether the institution holds degree-awarding powers. In other countries, check the relevant national education authority.
Step 3: Look for Red Flags
- Payment required: Any request for money is disqualifying
- Self-nomination accepted: Legitimate honors are nominated by others
- Guaranteed approval: No legitimate committee guarantees outcomes
- Vague criteria: “Significant contribution” should be defined
- No physical presence: A legitimate seminary or university has verifiable facilities and history
Step 4: Verify the Recipient’s Usage
How the recipient presents the degree matters. An honorary D.D. should be described as honorary, not as an earned academic qualification. Listing it under “Education” rather than “Honors & Awards” is a misrepresentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can award an honorary Doctor of Divinity?
Legitimate honorary D.D. degrees are awarded by established seminaries, theological schools, and church-related universities. The awarding body must have formal governance, clear criteria, and a confidential nomination process [citation:1][citation:4][citation:10].
Is an honorary Doctor of Divinity a real degree?
It is a legitimate recognition when conferred by a reputable institution, but it is not an academic qualification. Under U.S. law, it has “no academic standing” [citation:2].
Can I use “Dr.” with an honorary D.D.?
In religious contexts, honorary D.D. recipients are sometimes addressed as “Dr.,” particularly in the United States. However, the title should not be used to imply an earned academic qualification. In professional and academic contexts, clarification is essential.
What is the difference between an honorary D.D. and an earned D.D.?
In the UK, the earned D.D. is a higher doctorate awarded for published scholarship. In the US, the D.D. is almost always honorary. Earned theological doctorates in the US are typically PhD or ThD [citation:2][citation:13].
Can I buy an honorary Doctor of Divinity?
No. Legitimate honorary D.D. degrees are never sold. Any institution requesting payment — even described as a “donation” — is operating fraudulently [citation:3].
How do I verify an honorary D.D.?
Check the awarding institution’s accreditation, governance, and reputation. Look for payment requests, self-nomination, and vague criteria as red flags. Legitimate awards are conferred without payment and through confidential nomination processes.
Who typically receives an honorary D.D.?
Common recipients include clergy, bishops, lay church leaders, religious scholars, and public figures who have made significant contributions to religious life or the church [citation:1][citation:4][citation:10].
Is an honorary D.D. the same as a PhD in theology?
No. A PhD in theology is an earned research degree requiring coursework, examinations, and original research. An honorary D.D. is a recognition of contribution, not an academic qualification.
Final Thoughts (2026)
The honorary Doctor of Divinity is a meaningful recognition when conferred by a legitimate institution. It honors service, leadership, and contribution to religious life — not academic achievement.
Key takeaways:
- Legitimate awarding bodies are established seminaries, theological schools, and church-related universities with formal governance and clear criteria
- The D.D. varies by jurisdiction: a higher earned doctorate in the UK; almost always honorary in the US
- It is not an academic qualification and should not be represented as equivalent to a PhD or ThD
- Payment is a red flag: legitimate honors are never sold, even under the guise of “donations”
- Verification is essential — check accreditation, governance, and the institution’s reputation before accepting or trusting an honorary D.D.
For clergy and religious leaders, the honorary D.D. can be a fitting recognition of a lifetime of service. For those evaluating the title, discernment is necessary — the honor is real when conferred legitimately, but the market for fake degrees is active and growing.
— The honorary-doctor.com team, 2026