As the affiliation between General Theological Seminary and Virginia Theological Seminary takes shape, it is a joy to be in New York in December. New York is forever associated with Christmas. Lights are everywhere; Christmas trees are on sale; and there is a festive set of associations (courtesy of countless movies) that fills the air. […]
Yesterday the team in the dean’s office went for a festive lunch. It was an opportunity to relax, learn about each other’s Christmas plans, and get a sense of the person beyond the office. There were six of us at dinner. It was fun. I do encourage all departments to create some moment to mark […]
As our semester comes to a close, I want to thank each of you for your hard work and dedication whether you are a student, or faculty, staff, or family member. Your time and talent are an incredible blessing to those here on campus and off campus. Through the Salvation Army giving tree program the […]
The lecture delivered by Professor Jon Meacham was amazing. He was funny and relevant. He demonstrated his vast knowledge of President Abraham Lincoln and his relevance to our contemporary moment. Dr. Hannah Matis provided an introduction, which was perfect, and managed the questions with skill. Then we conferred on Professor Meacham the Dean’s Cross. The […]
Yesterday I had some quality time with the students of GTS. They are thoughtful, engaged, and committed. Many are on the high-quality, low-residency MDiv (which I especially admire because many are combining school and work); others are part of residential programs. Our conversation ranged widely. One request which I hope we can make possible is […]
Since being elected as President of General Theological Seminary, as well as Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary, today I am making my first trip to New York to address the faculty, staff, and students there. It is an honor to be granted the opportunity to shape this remarkable institution. Back in 1991, I […]
One cool aspect of life at Virginia Theological Seminary is that we constantly have exciting guests on the campus. On Monday, I met with Bishop Chilongani from Tanzania; he was staying on the campus on the way to New York. He is the Bishop of the largest Anglican diocese in the world. The diocese of […]
The Bicentennial Capital Campaign was formally launched in February 2020. Naturally there had been a quiet phase before the formal launch. However, the public launch was literally one month before COVID closed the Seminary. We were not sure exactly what the impact of COVID would be: we imagined that it might make the campaign impossible. […]
Lesley and I enjoyed having the graduating seniors around to the Deanery for afternoon tea yesterday. It was lovely to see all the children. For the children, this was their chance to visit their “school house”. When the pandemic hit the campus, a group of parents organized a school where the children could participate together […]
Along with several other Faculty, Faculty Emeriti, and students, I made my journey across to St. Paul’s K Street to participate in the service celebrating the ministry of the Rev. Dr. Tony Lewis. Tony was marking fifty years in ordained ministry. The occasion was beautiful and moving. The Presiding Bishop Michael Curry preached with passion […]