Date: February 10, 2025
VTS celebrated our 200th in 2023. Rikkyo University celebrated its 150th year in 2024. These two institutions are connected through a remarkable alumus. Bishop Channing Moore Williams studied at VTS and then made his way to Japan where he started a prestigious university, a seminary, a hospital, and five congregations. He learned the language. He lived simply. And he is admired and appreciated because of his impact on the Japanese Anglican Church.
For this week, I am in Japan attending a conference, which will become a book. It is a variety of different portraits of this amazing man. From the man of prayer to the young man who grew up in Richmond VA in the early nineteenth century, there is much to learn about Bishop Williams.
Over the last few months, I have been writing my paper on Bishop Williams. It has been lovely to enjoy the amazing library. I am excited about this opportunity to contribute to this debate about Bishop Williams.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary