Category: Dean’s Commentary

New York Polyphony

On Tuesday, September 16, we are honored to welcome New York Polyphony to Immanuel Chapel for an evening of extraordinary music. This acclaimed vocal chamber ensemble is known for its brilliant interpretations of works ranging from Gregorian chant to contemporary commissions, with a special focus on music of the 12th to 17th centuries. Their GRAMMY-nominated […]

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Who Inspires You?

Each year, our community comes together around Virginia Theological Seminary’s Giving Day. This is more than just a moment to raise support; it is an opportunity to remember that we are bound together by faith, gratitude, and the stories of those who have shaped us. Our theme this year is “Who Inspired You?” It is […]

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VTS and the United Nations Report

Over the past two weeks, our reparations work has drawn significant attention. First, the announcement of the groundbreaking for the Memorial sparked some unpleasant commentary on Facebook. Because of this increased attention, Senior Vice President Burridge reports that more than 15,000 people viewed the announcement. She also worked diligently to remove posts containing expletives and […]

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Silent Prayer Starting Tonight

Silent Prayer in the Oratory will be hosted this term by the Rev. Professor Sarah Coakley every Wednesday evening at 5.15pm, beginning September 10 and continuing through December 17. This offering, supported by Associate Dean the Rev. Dr. Shawn Strout and encouraged by growing interest from students, parishioners of Immanuel, and members of several local […]

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Support South Sudan on Tuesday, September 16th

In one week, we will welcome the Rt. Rev. Dr. James Lule Kenyi from the Diocese of Kajo-Keji in the Episcopal Church of South Sudan to VTS—virtually.   On September 16, 2025 at 12:45 pm EDT Bishop Kenyi will join us on Zoom to speak about his important work in the diocese of Kajo-Keji with peacebuilding […]

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The Descendants’ Memorial

On Saturday, September 6, 2025, a significant event took place at the Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) campus as descendants of African Americans who worked at the Seminary and board members broke ground for the VTS Reparations Memorial. The warm and dry weather, albeit a tad humid, set a perfect backdrop for this historic moment, marking […]

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Congratulations to Joshua House and Garth Wingfield

The Living Church competition is well known across the Episcopal Church. It is a wonderful way to honor the “life of the mind,” and over the years it has produced some remarkably thoughtful essays and perspectives. Today, I am delighted to share that two VTS students have taken first and second place in this competition. […]

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Impressive prompt responses

From time to time, our staff must address problems that require urgent attention. Most of us begin the day with a full agenda, so it can be frustrating to have to rearrange everything because of a sudden issue that needs immediate resolution. When I am the one responsible for creating this revised agenda, I like […]

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Largest SOCU ever?

As it happened, I was unwell. I had an infection with a fever over one hundred degrees, so I had to leave my wonderful wife to host the annual SOCU dinner at the Deanery last Friday evening. Seventy-one people attended, including senior staff, some spouses, and children. Among them, of course, was my wife, Lesley […]

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Welcome back everyone

Welcome back to the VTS community as we begin a new academic year. The campus is alive again with familiar faces and new arrivals, filled with energy and anticipation. This is a time of renewal as classrooms open, conversations deepen, and the work of formation continues. As we settle in, let us honor the different […]

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