On Saturday, September 6, 2025, a significant event took place at the Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) campus as descendants of African Americans who worked at the Seminary and board members broke ground for the VTS Reparations Memorial. The warm and dry weather, albeit a tad humid, set a perfect backdrop for this historic moment, marking […]
The Living Church competition is well known across the Episcopal Church. It is a wonderful way to honor the “life of the mind,” and over the years it has produced some remarkably thoughtful essays and perspectives. Today, I am delighted to share that two VTS students have taken first and second place in this competition. […]
From time to time, our staff must address problems that require urgent attention. Most of us begin the day with a full agenda, so it can be frustrating to have to rearrange everything because of a sudden issue that needs immediate resolution. When I am the one responsible for creating this revised agenda, I like […]
As it happened, I was unwell. I had an infection with a fever over one hundred degrees, so I had to leave my wonderful wife to host the annual SOCU dinner at the Deanery last Friday evening. Seventy-one people attended, including senior staff, some spouses, and children. Among them, of course, was my wife, Lesley […]
Welcome back to the VTS community as we begin a new academic year. The campus is alive again with familiar faces and new arrivals, filled with energy and anticipation. This is a time of renewal as classrooms open, conversations deepen, and the work of formation continues. As we settle in, let us honor the different […]
Some moments in ministry are beautifully bittersweet—filled with both joy and sadness. I experienced such a moment last week, when Dr. Lisa Kimball, during our regular one-on-one, shared her intention to retire from Virginia Theological Seminary as of July 31, 2026. After prayerful discernment, Lisa has decided her time as a faculty member is drawing […]
Recently, I had a conversation with a friend of the Seminary who wanted proof of systemic racism in America. He was not, for example, persuaded by the evidence that a higher percentage of African Americans die at the hands of law enforcement. As I listened, I paused—puzzled. Even at the level of basic education, there […]
Today is a special moment as the Lifelong Learning team gathers on campus. Much of their work happens remotely, so being face to face is a rare and welcome gift. It is wonderful to have everyone here—from those who manage the complexities of grant work to those who carry forward continuing education and keep our […]
Dan Coleman, from Admissions and Student Housing, has launched a creative initiative linking the seminary’s lectionary readings with classic PC games. Starting this August and running all year, students, faculty, and staff can gather in the Flamingo coffee bar to play games chosen to connect with the upcoming Sunday’s passages. This project turns preparation for […]
Today we are pleased to welcome Paula de Mello Alves to campus as a guest of the Center for Anglican Communion Studies. Paula will participating in and assisting the training of 12 young leaders from Brazil, the 6th and final cohort under a grant from Trinity Church, Wall Street. Paula is coming to us from […]