Category: Dean’s Commentary

Intercultural Competency

This year’s Introduction to Intercultural Competency begins today with a special presentation for incoming seminarians on the Doctrine of Discovery.  Formulated in 1496, this doctrine claimed that Christian monarchs had the right to control lands inhabited by non-Christians. It ultimately caused great harm and suffering to Indigenous communities. Today’s session is being led by the […]

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Seminarians of Color Union (SOCU)

The Seminarians of Color Union (SOCU) is a vibrant organization that gathers students, staff, and faculty from various races, languages, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds for safe conversations, fellowship, and support. SOCU was founded with the goal of creating a supportive, nurturing, and communal environment wherein all voices are acknowledged, and the diverse cultures and gifts […]

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Equipping Agents of Change: How Can Each of Us Foster Beloved Community?

Every year, the Office of Multicultural Ministries organizes numerous events designed “to promote a communal life that values every member,” an important aim found in VTS’s Seminary Covenant.  In consultation with the Dean’s Task Force on Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity, we decided that our programming for 2022-2023 should focus on the theme, “Equipping Agents of […]

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Center for Anglican Communion Studies: Preview of Fall Events

In addition to our participation in Lambeth Conference this summer, CACS has been very busy putting together our 2022-2023 academic year program! Along with the Seminary’s 200th bicentenary, this year marks the Center’s 25th year anniversary. In celebration, the theme for this year is Loving Neighbors, Near and Far. We kick off the fall semester […]

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Center for Anglican Communion Studies: Lambeth Conference

The Center for Anglican Communion Studies (CACS) is pleased to host the Dean’s Commentaries this week and to share our latest news with you. We’ll start today with a review of our summer activities and move on over the week to sharing highlights of our fall program, an update on our Trinity Church, Wall Street […]

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Celebration and Subversive Joy at VTS

As the vice president of the student body, I am frequently – perhaps foremostly – tasked with the solemn responsibility of throwing parties. The Labor Day Picnic, the Variety Show, Advent Affair (a.k.a. ‘seminary prom’), Spring Fling, and a myriad of full stops are some of the major feasts that mark the rhythm of our […]

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Meet Me in Louisville

If you’ve never been to a General Convention of The Episcopal Church, I strongly encourage you to make Louisville a part of your travel plans in the summer of 2024. While this year’s convention was incredibly scaled back due to COVID-19 precautions, the polity of the Church still met to conduct its business, and the […]

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The Ministry of Hospitality

As I begin my senior year at VTS, I am reminded of the importance of the ministry of hospitality. We at VTS are known for it! Spending the last few days welcoming juniors as they arrive in ones and twos, lending a hand with moves, meeting international students at the airport, my heart is full […]

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