VTS Welcomes the Archbishop of Canterbury

Virginia Theological Seminary
Posted Apr 28, 2022

VTS Immanuel Chapel Dedication/Consecration

Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) is pleased to announce the April 28 visit of the Most Rev. Justin Welby, archbishop of Canterbury. He was joined by Canon David Porter, chief of staff to the Archbishop of Canterbury; and the Rev. Tosin Olapdio, chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

At 10:30 a.m. in Immanuel Chapel, Archbishop Welby delivered a public address for the Seminary’s Albert T. Mollegen Forum. The Rev. Albert T. Mollegen, D.Min. served as a New Testament and Ethics professor at VTS from 1936 to his retirement in 1974. He was deeply committed to the ongoing conversation between church and the wider society, especially the dialogue between theology and the structures of power. The Archbishop presented on the topic of environmental crisis: “The Hot War with Creation: Can We Make Peace?”

“This visit really is a significant moment in the life of our community,” said the Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D., dean and president of VTS. “The Archbishop’s visit and his remarks remind us of the incredible challenges that global warming presents to the wider Communion and to the world, especially in the Global South, and the sacrifices we must make, especially in the Global North, to save precious lives.”

The Archbishop’s visit is coordinated by the VTS Center for Anglican Communion Studies. Archbishop Welby addressed a private dinner for the Companions of the Center for Anglican Communion Studies. Center Director, the Rev. Katherine Grieb, Ph.D. comments: “Our goal is to form leaders for the church and society and those leaders must be able to understand and articulate this challenge and have the heart and faith to act. Archbishop Welby’s visit and his address help us immensely in each of these areas.”

For more information on the Companions of the Center for Anglican Communion Studies, visit https://vts.edu/companions

###

Founded in 1823 as a beacon of hope in a country new and finding its way, Virginia Theological Seminary has led the way in forming leaders of the Episcopal Church, including the Most Rev. John E. Hines (VTS 1933, D.D. 1946), former presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church; the Rt. Rev. John T. Walker (VTS 1954, D.D. 1978), the first African-American bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington; and theologian, author and lay preacher Ms. Verna J. Dozier (VTS D.D. 1978). Serving the worldwide Anglican Communion, Virginia Theological Seminary educates approximately 25% of those being ordained who received residential theological education. Visit us online: www.vts.edu.


Tags