Date: March 4, 2026
Today a Murray Dewart sculpture is being added to the campus. This gift from a world renowned specialist in sculpture is in honor of the brave witness of Bishop Mariann Budde. You will recall that she preached at the service of prayer for the nation. She gently invited the President to consider the biblical obligation of mercy. It remains the most compelling Christian witness to power since the start of President Trump’s second term.
I want to thank Murray for the gift. I am grateful to Dr. Kate Sonderegger who helped craft the language on the acknowledgement stone. History is being marked today.
The Very Rev Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and President of the General Theological Seminary