Date: July 29, 2024
VTS has had a way of surprising me. I came here as a seminarian in 2011, thinking that I would complete my degree and leave in three years. And I am still here!  In 2012, I had the privilege to begin working full-time in the Bishop Payne Library on the African American Episcopal Historical Collection. Since 2016, I have been a faculty member and head of the Office of Multicultural Ministries. The journey now comes full circle as I return to BPL to become the Seminary Librarian, starting August 1. So the introductory Commentary in this week of Commentaries from Multicultural Ministries is something of a conclusion.
When it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion (I refuse to think that these are bad words!), the seminary has changed a lot since 2011. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of countless people over the years, we are more diverse in many respects and, just as important, I believe that we are more aware of our shortcomings and where we need to grow. Working together as a community, we have made significant strides in promoting intercultural competency, in supporting community members of color, in instituting reparations, and in diversifying the faculty and curriculum, among other developments.  May we continue to strive for higher heights.
I must express my gratitude to Dean Markham for giving me the opportunity to lead Multicultural Ministries and for being supportive every step along the way. And I owe many thanks to Ebonee Davis for being a thoughtful, grounded, and committed co-worker who consistently achieves excellence.
Finally, I wish my colleague the Rev. Altagracia Perez-Bullard, Ph.D. the very best as she assumes the role of Associate Dean of Multicultural Ministries. Â Given her years of experience in the Church, her faithfulness, her brilliance, and her passion, I cannot wait to see where she takes this important work.
The Rev. Joseph D. Thompson, Ph.D.
Outgoing Associate Dean of Multicultural Ministries
Incoming Seminary Librarian