Date: May 18, 2026
We’ve had a significant year of activity with the Saint Nicholas Center for Faith and Justice.
In our inaugural year, we convened more than 20 public programs, trainings, lectures, and gatherings engaging nearly 2,500 individuals. The year began with our public launch in September 2025. Over 100 friends and collaborators joined us to dream together what justice in the way of Jesus might look like. The launch day was Rev. D’ana Downing’s first day as program coordinator at the Center. Rev. D’ana has since become a vital and integral part of Center activities. Her creative leadership and steady program implementation has enabled us to extend our reach significantly. Three other programming highlights of the year were the Justice Praxis Seminar (a week long advocacy immersion in January), the launch of the Faith and Justice Concentration for VTS’s MDiv, and the Have Mercy Initiative (an essay series, webinar, adult education curriculum, public lecture, and forthcoming book all taking stock of this political moment in light of the Gospel). In this week’s Dean’s Commentaries you’ll hear from student fellows and Center staff about their highlights from the year.
All of this public activity, wonderful as it is, can be misleading. I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention the example of our patron Saint Nicholas who, in one of the most beloved and remembered stories of his life, carried out his works of charity anonymously and in secret. So while we celebrate this public witness, I also want to acknowledge all those whose work behind the scenes, without fanfare, makes such public activity possible: our Facilities, Hospitality, and Custodial teams who make ready and clean up our spaces, the Communications team who shares the work with the world, the Business Office who keep our finances in order, and the staff of Meriwether Godsey who provide catering for our events.
The mission of the Center for Faith and Justice is to support the formation of Christian leaders as faithful and effective advocates for justice in the way of Jesus. We hope you’ll join us in this graced work, both public and hidden.
Kyle Lambelet, PhD
Associate Professor of Ethics
Director of the Saint Nicholas Center for Faith and Justice