Category: Dean’s Commentary

COVID Update

As promised from time to time, I share the COVID results with the community. This particular week we had zero positive results – both in the Butterfly House and in the general community testing. Last week, we had one student test positive; he was subsequently cleared by the PCR test. We do not share the […]

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Welcome to Bishop Frank Griswold and Mrs. Phoebe Griswold

I am thrilled and thankful to our Center for Anglican Communion Studies for hosting their first forum this semester with a notable guest, former Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold.  Bishop Griswold and his spouse Phoebe Griswold arrive today and will be our guests for two nights. Bishop Griswold […]

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The Dean’s Cross for William and Corinne Barnwell

Sometimes in this job, one meets one of the saints of the Church. Episcopalian Corinne Barnwell was involved in the Civil Rights Movement, became an advocate for feminism, and has found countless ways to make a difference to the communities where God placed her. She is a warrior. And her husband, our alum, the Rev. […]

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Companions of the Center for Anglican Communion Studies

I want to draw your attention to a very exciting opportunity starting today: the Companions of the Center for Anglican Communion Studies. You may have seen the Companions launch on Facebook, and many of you also have received an email invitation to join. Today, I am pleased to announce the formal kick-off of this membership […]

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A Conference, Preaching, and an Event

Sometimes life feels very surreal. As part of our Bicentenary, we are organizing 24 “Marking the Moment” events around the country over the next two years. So Dr. Hawkins and I are in New Orleans participating in a gratitude events for alumni and friends. Then at the same time, I am one of the speakers […]

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Welcome Center Redesign

It is our practice to share decisions arising from the Board of Trustees. So today I will focus on the Welcome Center. The Board approved new designs of the Welcome Center. It will retain on the main floor an introduction through panels that explain the history and nature of the Seminary. Then on the lower […]

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The Board Plenary Meeting

The design of the Board Meeting is very simple. We gather on the Tuesday afternoon as a full Board to discuss major business. The goal is to offer Board members the opportunity to give appropriate scrutiny to any proposal and share any concerns or thoughts. Then on Wednesday morning, we have the Business Meeting, where […]

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Guests on Campus

The Shinwari family had senior roles in Afghanistan. The three brothers all had professional positions – one was a doctor, one a data analyst, and one a project manager in Kabul University. Since the airlift, they have been for three days in Qatar, three days in Germany, and then finally here in the United States […]

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The Board is in Zoom Land

This week is the week the Board meets. We were hoping to hold meetings in person, but as with so many events right now, Zoom is considered safer. So, today the Buildings and Grounds Committee will meet, followed by the Executive Committee at 7:00 p.m. Then tomorrow afternoon, we have the Board plenary session; and […]

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Worship Is the Theme

The Rev. Dr. Katharine Grieb was so effusive. “I think the latest issue of the magazine is extraordinary,” she explained. She went on, “I am so pleased with the comprehensive survey of worship in this place.” It was a lovely testimony to the latest issue of the Virginia Theological Seminary Magazine. The focus is our […]

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