Last night I had the privilege of joining the launch of the Rev. David Beckmann’s remarkable new book, Poverty Abolitionists: Faith, Activism, and Hope for Difficult Times. The evening offered an inspiring focus on our essential Gospel obligation to confront and eradicate poverty wherever it persists. It was both a celebration of Beckmann’s vision and […]
The Rev. Dr. Jolyon Mitchell joins us at Virginia Theological Seminary for a brief visit. He is accompanied by two special guests, including Jasmine Mitchell, recent winner of The Great British Bake Off, whose creativity and calm under pressure have captured the public imagination. Her artistry in the kitchen beautifully echoes the theological truth that hospitality […]
Christ Church Episcopal in Ponte Vedra Beach offered a gracious and vibrant welcome during my recent visit, and I was deeply impressed by the energy of this thriving parish. It was a joy to be with their rector, the Rev. Tom Reeder, whose seasoned, thoughtful leadership is clearly shaping a dynamic and outward-looking community. I […]
The discovery of an early draft of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail in the archives of Virginia Theological Seminary is an extraordinary moment of grace and history intertwined. This document, one of the defining theological and moral texts of the twentieth century, invites us once more to reflect on the […]
Beginning Saturday, April 11 and running through the final four weeks of the Spring semester, we’re beginning an experiment at Bishop Payne Library. The library building allows for the possibility of key-card access to the commons area at the front of the building while the stacks and other floors remain closed. Given those features, we’re going to […]
Yesterday’s Faculty meeting was briefly interrupted by a solemn request – to pause and pray for peace in the Middle East. The moment reminded us how fragile the world feels just now, as headlines carry news of renewed conflict and human suffering. Discussion stopped; silence settled; and, together, we turned our thoughts outward, toward those […]
On April 4, 1968, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. Nearly sixty years later, our society has yet to see his vision of racial justice. Virginia Theological Seminary’s annual observance of Dr. King as one of the saints of the Church will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, April 8th and […]
Yesterday I began the journey to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Greensboro, North Carolina. It is a privilege to be invited by our alum, the Rev. David Umphlett, to lead the Triduum in such a significant parish. Moments like this remind me of the deep bonds that connect our common life and ministry. The Triduum […]
Dr. Scott MacDougall, recently appointed as Director for Theological Resources for The Episcopal Church, joined up last night for a deanery evening to discuss his new role. Holding a Ph.D. from Fordham University and an M.A. from the General Theological Seminary, he brings a wealth of knowledge on ecclesiology and Anglican theology to support church […]
To write a great textbook is an extraordinary skill. The text must be accessible, yet retain depth and scholarly accuracy. It must also be engaging for the easily distracted student. Yesterday, I was presented with a copy of Melody D. Knowles’s new book Bible and Film (with one chapter written by Ian Mills). It is […]