Date: January 31, 2025
It is always my honor as Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary to welcome leaders from around the Anglican Communion to spend part of their sabbatical with us. Their presence on our campus enriches this body and keeps us ever mindful that our Anglican tradition is far broader than our often-blinkered view of the church.
On Monday, we welcome the Rt. Revd. Rose Okeno, Bishop of Butere, Anglican Church of Kenya. Bishop Okeno is the second woman ordained bishop in the ACK—one of the so-called “Africa Six”—and the first elected to lead a diocese.
In her ministry, Bishop Okeno has been a strong advocate for women and girls and promoting them as leaders in the church. She will spend her sabbatical reflecting on this advocacy journey, while envisioning the future for her ministry and her diocese.
Bishop Okeno will be with us throughout the month of February and will be a participant in the Women Mentoring Women Conference hosted by the Center for Anglican Communion Studies from February 25-28. On Tuesday, February 11, she will speak at a lunch forum about “Regaining the Voice: the Church’s Role in Promoting Social Justice,” and on Wednesday, February 26, she will be the preacher at our morning worship of Holy Eucharist in Immanuel Chapel. Sign up for the forum here.
A major reason why Anglican Communion leaders choose to come to Virginia Theological Seminary is the hospitality and welcome they receive. So please continue in that great tradition and extend a warm, VTS welcome to Bishop Okeno.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and President of The General Theological Seminary