Date: April 27, 2022
Please join me in offering the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Justin Welby, a very warm welcome tomorrow for what will be quite an exciting day. Archbishop Welby is joined by Canon David Porter, his Chief of Staff, and the Rev. Tosin Oladipo, his Chaplain. I am extremely grateful to CACS for coordinating this visit as part of the Mollegen Forum, suspended during COVID, but now back in full swing with great benefit to our life here at the seminary. And, of course, I’m very grateful also to Vice President Knowles for stepping in for me at the last minute to take on my roles in the visit.
Tomorrow morning at 8:15, the Archbishop will be present for a glorious Sung Morning Prayer service designed by Dr. Strout and Dr. Burnett. We have cleared the schedule completely (formation and classes) so that everyone will be able to attend not only the service itself, but the forum immediately following in which Archbishop Welby will address our community on the topic of “The Hot War with Creation: Can We Make Peace?” At noon he will join the graduating class for lunch sharing some words of wisdom. At 5:15 pm Archbishop Welby will preside at Eucharist followed by a private dinner for the Companions of the Center for Anglican Communion Studies. (Both lunch and dinner require prior RSVPs.) Please do make sure to arrive at morning and evening worship early as seating will probably be quite full.
The Archbishop and his staff have traveled quite a way to be here for just one day and that only highlights how meaningful it is for him to be with us. I ask that you really do make this a warm welcome for all our guests tomorrow, and to demonstrate to them the hospitality of Christ. Please do enjoy and take advantage of the wonderful opportunity of this very special visit.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President