Date: April 25, 2025
It is with joy and deep pride that we celebrate the recent honors bestowed upon the Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija, Chief Innovation Officer at Virginia Theological Seminary and Executive Director of TryTank. His leadership continues to model what faithful innovation looks like in practice and in partnership.
This past month, Fr. Lorenzo was named an honorary canon of the Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico in recognition of his visionary work in supporting the church there. In particular, the launch of El Jardín, a network of lay-led house churches developed in collaboration with the diocese, is already bearing fruit as a vibrant expression of contextual ministry. It is precisely this kind of experimental spirit, rooted in tradition yet reaching boldly toward the future, that makes his ministry so vital to the wider church.
We are also delighted to share that Fr. Lorenzo has been invited to participate in the Clergy Consultation at St. George’s House, Windsor Castle this summer—a space of theological reflection and rigorous conversation set in one of Anglicanism’s most historic locations. (Yes, as seen in The Crown.) It is an honor that recognizes both his theological depth and his global engagement. Lorenzo’s work continues to illuminate what it means to lead with imagination, humility, and hope. We give thanks for his ministry, and we look forward to the insights he will bring back from Windsor and from El Jardín alike.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary