Date: October 14, 2025
Today our Convocation continues with two remarkable presentations: the Inaugural Lecture of the Rev. Dr. Ruthanna Hooke and an address from the Bishop of Washington, the Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde. It is a joy and privilege to host these two distinguished voices whose scholarship and leadership enrich both the Seminary and the wider Church. Their insights promise to inspire thoughtful reflection and deepen our shared commitment to theological excellence.
Convocation, however, is more than a series of lectures—it is a celebration of community. The joy of this gathering lies not only in hearing high-quality presentations but also in reconnecting with friends and colleagues who have journeyed through VTS. Our alumni embody the Seminary’s mission in countless contexts, and their return brings warmth and vitality to our campus.
The gift of Virginia Theological Seminary is indeed the gift of its alumni network—one of the largest and most faithful in the Episcopal Church. As we gather today, let us remember that the moments between sessions, filled with conversation, laughter, and shared memory, are as sacred as the formal sessions themselves. Together, they weave the living fabric of this beloved community.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary.