It is a joy having Sarah Coakley nearby. She is an extraordinary theologian and a delightful conversation partner. And I pleased to share with you that you can participate in three opportunities for quiet devotion as part of your Advent preparation for the coming of the Christ Child. Entitled “Advent prayer as waiting and longing”, […]
The Biblical witness is clear: Acts 8 names a place for trans people in the church. To that end, the Seminary aspires to work with our trans students to facilitate their presence for training on the campus. After discussions with a group of trans students and as part of our commitment to hospitality, we are making […]
Today, I will continue to report out significant board decisions. A key motion came from the Academic Affairs Committee. It is our practice at Virginia Theological Seminary to appoint faculty, who are tenure track, on an initial three year appointment. Then after two years, as the faculty member enters the third, there is a review […]
It is my practice to share the results of the Board Meeting with the community through the commentary. The primary set of motions were linked with the “descendants memorial”. This is all part of our reparations program. The recommendations of the Finance Committee and the Buildings and Grounds Committee were accepted by the Board of […]
Often I use the commentary to let the community know where I am. I am currently in Paris on pilgrimage. The theme is “Gothic France”. It is a journey into architecture, history, and a celebration of the emergence of great cathedrals in the medieval period. The medieval period gets a bad press. It is often […]
Granted we did not win. But we came second. Last Saturday, we had the annual gathering of the Seminaries at Gettysburg for the flag football competition. The team was sent off with a blessing in the Friday Eucharist. I am delighted to report that no one went to hospital. And they did well. I am […]
It is Veterans Day. We remember those who have served for the defense of our country. We remember those who gave their lives for our country. And it is a day when we remember the end of World War One. And on this day, I want to pause and express my gratitude to Garine Adams, […]
It is a joy to welcome prospective students to Virginia Theological Seminary for the Fall visit day. I am grateful for the hard work of Kurt Ellison and Dan Coleman in the Admissions department. A rich day is planned for our guests – a sample class, a tour of the chapel and the campus, and […]
The Board was present as the results came in. They joined the VTS community in chapel on Wednesday morning. And then, they gathered as a Board. Conscious of just how much shock and fear there is in our community, they discussed our response as an institution. This was the Board resolution. The Board of Trustees […]
I am writing this commentary at 4.38pm on Tuesday afternoon. Perhaps by the time you read this commentary on Wednesday morning, the result is known. However, perhaps, my obligation for this day after the election is to share a simple thought. God is the business of eternity. The truth of eternity is revealed in the […]