Date: February 6, 2026
We are deeply grateful to everyone who took part in The Politics of Mercy, whether in person or from across the globe. With more than 200 participants gathered on campus at Virginia Theological Seminary and nearly 1,000 viewers engaging online to date, this evening stands as one of the most successful events we have hosted in recent years. The scale of participation, combined with the depth of engagement, testified to a shared hunger for thoughtful, faithful conversation at a critical moment.
What made the evening truly memorable was not only the impressive turnout, but the quality of presence it inspired. The attention, questions, and witness of those gathered created a space marked by moral courage, shared responsibility, and genuine hope. It was, in every sense, a sacred and timely gathering—one that modeled how serious reflection and public conversation can serve the common good.
For those who were unable to join us live, a recording of the event is available here and we warmly encourage you to share it widely through social media and your own networks. We close with an enormous thank you to Dr. Kyle Lambelet, Director of the St. Nicholas Center for Faith and Justice, for his vision and leadership, the Rev. D’ana Downing, for her impressive program design and mobilization, and to Senior Vice President Nicky Burridge, whose energetic and effective promotion—on social media and beyond—played a decisive role in extending the reach and impact of this remarkable evening.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary.