As a general rule, I resist using the Dean’s Commentary to focus too much on my work or my department. But today, I am allowing myself an exception to that general rule. Back in 2018, the Board had passed a budget with three positions in the Dean’s Office – the Executive Assistant, the Administrative Coordinator, […]
Yesterday I was in the library taking out some books on Howard Thurman. And I had the privilege of meeting the family of Joshua Waits (our archivist). He was showing his family the bicentennial exhibits. I joined him as he talked through the initial two cases. Images, pictures, and text from our past were in […]
We have a Dean’s Scholar on the campus. We welcome the Rev. Dr. Mark Oakley. He is currently the Dean of St. John’s College, Cambridge, and the recently appointed Dean of Southwark in London. He is scheduled to be installed on December 3, 2023. Southwark Cathedral is probably the most progressive cathedral in England. Mark […]
Today, the Faculty gather for a day long meeting. The summer has been full: doctoral programming, various grant initiatives, and yes, some space to read and write. Now the business of the academic year starts afresh. We will think anew about our work and what we are called to do. Our Faculty is impressive. Without […]
I am very grateful for the fabulous commentaries that I have read over the summer months. From student government, to alumni, to every department in the Seminary, I have learned so much. The gift is vantage point. I have a particular experience of the Seminary, but I don’t see, for example, the detail embedded in […]
Next week, the Office of Multicultural Ministries will host the annual Introduction to Intercultural Competency (ICC) for all new seminarians and employees, as well as a number of employees who are due for a repeat. Participants have the flexibility to choose from presentations on a variety of compelling topics designed to support cultural awareness and […]
My name is Aaron Ross, and I am the student worker for Multicultural Ministries. I am a rising senior here at VTS, a candidate for holy orders in the Diocese of Massachusetts, and an Army Chaplain Candidate with hopes of going on active duty to serve soldiers worldwide as a chaplain. Before coming to VTS, […]
The Seminarians of Color Union (SOCU) is one of the student-led organizations at VTS. The beginning of SOCU can be traced back to 2016. The seminarians of color recognized the urgent need to care for all people of color on campus. SOCU is dedicated to providing students, staff, and faculty from various races, ethnicities, languages, […]
Almost four years have passed since VTS announced that it would undertake a reparations program for the descendants of those who were enslaved on campus, as well as Black persons who worked at the seminary after the Civil War up through the end of segregation. Since that time, numerous individuals have played a role in […]
“We the community of Virginia Theological Seminary, in response to the love of God in Christ, resolve to embody love, justice, peace, and respect for every child of God on this campus and in the world.” Comprising the opening sentence of VTS’s Seminary Covenant, these words suggest that we should love one another because God first […]