One joy of my role is that I am the one who gets the feedback. Sometimes it is critical; sometimes it is exceptionally positive. This email was sent to Vice President Linda Dienno (and I was on copy) from Dianne Audrick Smith. Dianne gave me permission to reproduce the email in today’s commentary. “It was […]
The Rev. James Farwell, Ph.D. is an extraordinary voice in the liturgy world. His scholarship is deeply thoughtful; he combines respect for the Ordo and the deep patterns and forms of the liturgy with an insightful exposition as to the reasoning behind that shape. He does his work with graciousness and humor. Back in May […]
Naturally the hard work of our Historic Bicentenary is still very much on my mind. It was a week full of activities: the official number of events is 37, inclusive of all worship services and the meetings for the Alumni organizations. Today, I want to recognize our worship leaders. The Rev. Dr. Shawn Strout worked […]
Today, I want to highlight a new book. Edited by Herschel Wade and Christopher Poore, Looking for our God: Voices of Color Speak from Virginia Theological Seminary is a collection of 26 contributions (some sermons, some poetry, some articles). It is a powerful book. Passionate reflection meets hopeful analysis; it is a compelling and thoughtful […]
CTEAC stands for the Commission on Theological Education in the Anglican Communion. And we are delighted to welcome them to Virginia Theological Seminary. They have a rich program planned, which includes some events open to the seminary community. CTEAC is chaired by Archbishop Dr. Howard Gregory, who is the Primate of the Church in the […]
In today’s Commentary we are very fortunate to welcome a renowned Anglican leader and distinguished alum of Virginia Theological Seminary back to Alexandria as a CACS Sabbatical Fellow, the Rt. Rev. Dr. George Okoth, Bishop of the Diocese of Mara in the Anglican Church of Tanzania. Bishop Okoth arrived last week and it was a […]
The four days of the Historic Bicentenary depended on the people behind the scenes who planned, prepared, and executed. While we have done due diligence collecting names, please do let us know if we have left anyone off of this list. Grounds and set ups, Facilities: John Erbe, Griffin Warder, Tom Leake, Tim Lawhorn, Mohamed […]
I am very indebted to my predecessor. When one has the gift of leading Virginia Theological Seminary – a strong and well run institution – one is acutely aware of just how much one owes those who have come before. The Very Rev. Martha Horne led VTS with skill and wisdom. She left the place […]
This is an alumni convention to remember. As the different classes return to the campus, they will discover spaces both familiar yet different. They are familiar because, apart from the Chapel and the family housing, we have not built new buildings; they are different because we have worked hard to renovate, enhance, and improve the […]
Telling the story of the past is at the heart of our Historic Bicentenary. We are seeking to tell the whole story – a story that does not simply focus on the dominant culture, but includes the myriad voices and roles of other cultures. Telling the whole story depends on keeping the record, making sure […]