Date: September 5, 2025
The Living Church competition is well known across the Episcopal Church. It is a wonderful way to honor the “life of the mind,” and over the years it has produced some remarkably thoughtful essays and perspectives.
Today, I am delighted to share that two VTS students have taken first and second place in this competition. Joshua House won first place, and Garth Wingfield came in second—an extraordinary achievement.
Organizing one’s thoughts into a piece suitable for publication is a true skill. Joshua and Garth’s success reminds us that VTS continues to form leaders who think deeply, write clearly, and contribute meaningfully to the life of the Church. We celebrate them with pride and gratitude—and we encourage our whole community to read their essays, be inspired by their insights, and consider submitting to next year’s competition.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary.