Date: August 29, 2022
Every year, the Office of Multicultural Ministries organizes numerous events designed “to promote a communal life that values every member,” an important aim found in VTS’s Seminary Covenant. In consultation with the Dean’s Task Force on Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity, we decided that our programming for 2022-2023 should focus on the theme, “Equipping Agents of Change: How Can Each of Us Foster Beloved Community?”
No one individual or office can singlehandedly create an environment that respects the many cultures and identities present in this community. Instead, it will take the participation of people throughout the community who are committed to learning how to work, live, and play with people who are different from them—in a manner that allows everyone to thrive in the particularity of their own cultures and identities. This is a difficult but also exciting and worthwhile challenge!
In the Office of Multicultural Ministries, we view it as our role to equip agents of change, that is, to empower community members to grow in their ability to foster a beloved community of dignity and respect for all. We invite you to be on the lookout for our programs this academic year that can help you to develop this capacity. And of course, do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have ideas for events and activities that can equip agents of this important institutional change.
The Rev. Joseph D. Thompson, Jr., Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Multicultural Ministries
Ebonee Davis
Multicultural Ministries Associate for Programming & Historical Research for Reparations