It has been a joy to be in Dallas Texas. Dallas has supported the Seminary for many years. Last night, the team of Vice President Linda Dienno, Vice President Nicky Burridge, Director Shelagh Casey Brown and I were at Saint Michael and all Angels. It was an opportunity to share the news about our work. […]
Yesterday morning, I was delighted to listen to Dr. Stephen Cook weave together art and theology in a deeply imaginative and inspiring way. The dance was the theme: from the poetry of Isaiah to the art to the music of Jazz, Dr. Cook moved thoughtfully through these three worlds inviting us all to participate in […]
These last few weeks have been busy. Last week I was in Florida at one of the largest congregations in the Episcopal Church. On Monday night, VTS had a table at the Diocese of New York Episcopal Charities Gala, which was held in the stunning setting of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Then […]
The Rev. Neal Goldsborough has been a hardworking Board member for many years. And when he shared the news that he was to be a presence in a play called “Someone Will Remember Us”, I thought it would be lovely to share the news with readers of our Commentary. Neal served as a military chaplain. […]
The Advent Service of Lessons and Carols is one of my favorite moments. It weaves together the beauty of Scripture with some extraordinary Advent Carols. It is the Immanuel Chapel at its best; the perfect blend of word and music. Last night was historic. It was not simply that we honored the Rev. Canon Jerry […]
One important role of this position is to leave the Holy Hill and spend some time with our alumni in ministry. So, I was delighted to accept the opportunity to go to Church Church Ponte Vedra in Florida. I am the keynote speaker for the Bridge Institute, addressing the theme “Life Together”. I leave early […]
The journey to LGBTQ+ inclusivity for VTS has been a long one. For those who enjoy our LGBTQ+ friendly environment, it is perhaps hard to imagine how difficult it was in the past. But, sadly, for many LGBTQ+ persons their experience at VTS was a difficult, painful, and often brutal experience. In October, in my […]
Last night was a special evening. We gathered for a book launch. The Rev. Canon Samuel Van Culin had written this extraordinary book called A Memoir. Sam, as he is affectionately known by his many friends, was the first Secretary General of the Anglican Communion. In this role, Sam’s achievements are considerable. Many of the institutions […]
From time to time, I use the commentary to write into the record of the Seminary a piece of information that the future would appreciate knowing. Today I wish to document the gift of a fireplace set to the Seminary, which lives in the Deanery. The gift comes from William Blair. William is the son […]
Slowly, 2024 is coming to an end. And today we honor and celebrate the remarkable service of Vice President Linda Dienno. Linda is retiring at the end of this month after 12 years at Virginia Theological Seminary. We will miss her. During her tenure, she played a significant role in raising $63 million in VTS’ […]