Debra Haffner

Debra Haffner

Reverend Debra W. Haffner (born 1954) is Co-founder and President of Religious Institute, Inc. A sexologist and ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, she is the endorsed community minister with the Unitarian Church in Westport, CT.

In 2001 Rev. Haffner co-founded the Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing with Rev. Dr. Larry Greenfield. The Religious Institute, Inc. was established as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on March 6, 2012. The organization's stated mission is to advocate for sexual health, education, and justice in faith communities and society.

Prior to founding the Religious Institute and entering ministry, Haffner was President and Chief Executive Officer of SIECUS, the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (1988-2000), Director of Information and Education for the Center for Population Options, Director of Community Services and Public Relations, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington. She has also worked at the Bureau of Community Health Services at the U.S. Public Health Service, and at The Population Institute.