Date: October 26, 2026
This week, Virginia Theological Seminary has the privilege of hosting the Anglican Communion Science Commission. Managed by the Anglican Communion Office and hosted by the Center for Anglican Communion Studies, the gathering brings together Lead Science Bishops and other resource people from across the world, from Australia to Brazil, Kenya to Korea, and Wales to Jamaica. It is a remarkable picture of our worldwide Communion, right here on Holy Hill.
The Commission rests on a simple conviction: faith and science are not enemies. The Church needs to engage thoughtfully with the questions science raises, from disaster response to AI.
Some of you may remember their visit from 2 years ago; in the time since, they have been working on projects in their home dioceses and are now coming back together to share their findings. During this week, they will also study Scripture with the Rev. Dr. Katherine Grieb, visit the National Institute of Standards and Technology, hear from several speakers, and develop new action plans to take home to their provinces.
Most of the program is by invitation, but I hope you will join us for these events:
- Tuesday, October 27, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., LPER: Keynote by Dr. Bill Phillips, Ordinary Faith, Ordinary Science
- Wednesday, October 28, 11 – 11:45 a.m., LPER: Keynote by Dean Markham and Senior VP at GTS, Dr. Michael DeLashmutt, Responding to the Rise of AI
- Thursday, October 29, 12:45–1:45 p.m., Scott Lounge: Report Out to the VTS Community:
Hear how bishops across the Communion are helping the Church speak wisely in an age of science, including through the Fellowship of Young Anglican Science Enthusiasts.
And I make my usual request. When you see our guests in the Refectory, please sit with them and ask about their ministry. This is what we do at VTS.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and President of The General Theological Seminary