♦ October 26, 2015 ♦
Image by Michel Hull
Bexley Seabury continues to attract and form leaders for a 21st century church—called to engage the world as it is, with a vision for the just world it might become, a world transformed by the Spirit of God blowing in our midst.
I am delighted to announce that, this past summer, the Association of Theological Schools, our accrediting body, recognized the value of what we are about by granting Bexley Seabury a full seven-year accreditation as a single institution.
Building on the strength of that ATS decision, our Board of Directors has planned some bold initiatives for increasing the affordability and accessibility of a Bexley Seabury theological education. I look forward to sharing news of these new initiatives with you very soon.
Meanwhile, I invite you to join me in supporting the mission of Bexley Seabury, both by your prayers and by your support for our Annual Fund. Please take time to contribute online now.
Your contribution—in whatever amount—will have an immediate positive impact in the lives of our students and program participants, and will make a lasting difference in the formation of vibrant leadership for the 21st century church. That formation occurs in our classrooms and in the community.
The September calendar included three inspiring visits with Professor Walter Brueggemann that we cosponsored with St. Chrysostom’s Church in Chicago to launch our Faith in the City series. In addition, we convened our Columbus Convocation 2015, Faith After #Ferguson with keynoter Mike Kinman, in partnership with St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, and began the redemptive work we need to do to repent the sin of racism, reconcile with those we have harmed, and fight for racial justice.
In October, we participated in a forum of Episcopal seminaries, convened by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby as part of his visit to Virginia Theological Seminary to assist in consecrating VTS’ Immanuel Chapel. Junior faculty members from three of our seminaries, including our own Jason Fout, were invited to present what they are hear from students about their formation needs and their views on the future of the church.
Ten days later we cohosted our second Faith in the City series. Episcopal priest and former U.S. Senator John Danforth, an eloquent proponent of faith in the public square, drew more than 120 Chicago-area leaders into conversation about the urgent need to bring religious values to bear on political discourse.
It is events like these, and the creative partnerships that make such events possible, that underscore Bexley Seabury’s commitment to model a generous and articulate public theology and nurture a habit of lifelong learning for clergy and laity alike.
Thank you for all the ways you help Bexley Seabury seek and share wisdom beyond walls.