Date: October 11, 2024
For today’s commentary, I am sharing the email below which went to friends and alumni of VTS yesterday. Given Faculty, staff, and students do not see those emails, I thought it would be appreciated to see what I said on behalf of the VTS Community.
Dear Friends and Alums of VTS,
First it was Helene; then it was Milton. Hurricanes of epic proportions bring pain, anguish, fear, and death. We have been reaching out to alumni and friends; and we call on all of us to pray, contribute, and support those who are suffering after these hurricanes.
For those of you living without electricity and water, we weep with you. The debris around you will take many months to clear up: the risks to injury remain real. Please be assured that we are praying for you
Our Scriptures are full of the people of God living with suffering and pain. Paul’s words to the Church of Corinth as he draws a contrast between the eternal and the ephemeral seem especially appropriate: “We are afflicted in every way but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, persecuted but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed.” The Church has been here before: we need to support each other so that we can all find a way through.
To that end, the Seminary will be making a gift to the Diocese of Western North Carolina relief efforts. You can give here. And we are making a gift to the Diocese of Southwest Florida, which you can do here.
May all those suffering find God’s grace in this moment – somehow, somewhere.
Yours in Christ Jesus
Ian
The Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary