Part of our work as an Episcopal seminary is to serve the Church. We have an expertise in various areas that can help the Church to grow and thrive. In the last few days, we have heard about two of our community who have been appointed to key positions in the Church. Mr. Wallace Benton, […]
Just as we learn the rhythm of these initial weeks, the Seminary decides to interrupt that rhythm with a day of quiet. Traditionally, after the morning meditation by Bishop Mark Stevenson, we go into silence until the end of the Eucharist in the afternoon. Lunch should be taken in silence; we may speak to the […]
This week is significant for three reasons. The first is that we have a Quiet Day tomorrow. In the end this place is a place of formation. We want God to work on human lives to enable people to grow into persons who can bring Christ to the world. This Quiet Day is a space […]
Yesterday afternoon at 4pm, the summit on “Truth-telling and Reparations” started here at Virginia Theological Seminary. This is being organized by the Office of African Descent Ministries and the Department of Reconciliation, Justice, and Creation Care from the national church. The goal of the summit is to gather Episcopal leaders – lay and clergy – […]
Yesterday I was in a meeting when our alum Jean Vinson called my cell phone. The moment I was able to do so, I called her back. The news was disturbing. Fr. Allen Gaye, our alum, had been shot in Liberia. He interrupted a burglary and, even after doctors had operated on him, he still […]
The Seniors and the Middlers will remember Dr. Scott Cowdell and his wife Lisa. Scott was a Dean’s Scholar. He lived with us for three months or so. He was a fun interlocutor for many, ready to discuss this or that question in some detail over lunch or in 1823. The fruits of his time […]
Normally, I wait until we are on the cusp of an event to advertise it. But as someone rather curtly observed: “The day of, Ian, is too late.” I have also appreciated the way that CACS invites us to prepare for forthcoming events and get them in our calendar. So, today I want to invite […]
On the whole I tend to the view that sermons are best heard and appreciated in the context of the liturgy. After all, the sermon is framed around the readings – the written Word is followed by the Eternal Word (the Gospel) and then the preacher shares the Proclaimed Word. In a Eucharist, it is […]
In October, I will write a sustained reflection on the Bicentennial. The Episcopal Church is blessed with many entities and organizations that are old and, therefore, have significant anniversaries. The temptation is to keep it very simple: we are 175 years old, there will be a special service followed by a potluck lunch. But, we […]
From time to time, friends, donors, and board members thank me for the way I handle the various challenges that are part of my responsibilities at this time. I am touched by the care such gratitude shows. But as I reflect on my role, I tend to the view that the really challenging jobs are […]