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Virginia Theological Seminary issues an apology to LGBT plus graduates

Date: October 31, 2024

It is All Hallows Eve, when we honor and remember the faithfully departed. As we remember those who have gone before, it is an appropriate moment for me to share an apology that I issued on Saturday, October 26. I did so in my capacity as Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary. It was a formal apology to all former LGBTQIA+ students who found their time at VTS a difficult, painful, hard, and often brutal experience. I did so as the current holder of the office responsible for the Seminary. The stories I have heard from LGBTQIA+ students are deeply disturbing. Often the prejudice was overt and cruel.

The context of the apology was the restoration to ordained ministry of the Rev. Harry Stock. Harry arrived at VTS in 1975, when the Seminary was not an hospitable place. For the pain and tears, the Seminary issues an apology.

There are others who found VTS a hard place. I pray that those alumni will make the journey back to the campus, enjoy their two free nights’ accommodation, and feel a place that has changed. If you are one such alum, please reach out to me. Perhaps we could have a coffee in the Flamingo or a drink at 1823. I would be honored to do so.

The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary

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