Date: February 17, 2025
I returned from Japan on Sunday. It was one of those rare moments when one had a very long Sunday. I left Japan at 10.10am on Sunday and arrived in Dulles at 9.30am on Sunday. Despite being a long trip, it was also an important and interesting trip.
The connection between Rikkyo University, in the heart of Tokyo, and Virginia Theological Seminary has never been stronger. And the connection is our alumnus, Bishop Channing Moore Williams, who made the journey in the 19th century and founded a Seminary, five congregations, and Rikkyo University. There is a museum dedicated to Bishop Williams which includes his bag and his alb.
The goal of the trip will be a book on Bishop Williams. And part of the book will be the interview with the director of the movie “The Middle Way” which is all about Channing Moore Williams. You can watch the movie here. It starts with students making movies in a movie class and then slowly focuses on one student who becomes fascinated with the simplicity of lifestyle (Bishop Williams walked everywhere) and the generosity of spirit (when a student complained about their accommodation, he moved into their room and let the student have his room). The movie concludes with an affirmation of the non-violent witness of Bishop Williams. It is a fascinating movie to watch because part of the goal is to make Bishop Williams accessible to the Shinto Buddhist students that make up Rikkyo. The movie takes 55 minutes. So clear an hour or so and enjoy watching the movie about our most influential alumnus of the 19th century.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary.