Religion, Culture and Anglican Communion focus of Virginia Seminary's new weekly web commentaries
Episcopal News Service. February 11, 2008 [021108-05]
The Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) has launched two new web commentaries, one focusing on the Anglican Communion and the other on issues relating to religion and culture. The commentaries, written by VTS Faculty members and guest contributors, will be updated weekly and will, according to the Very Rev. Ian Markham, VTS dean and president, "provide a rich resource for reflection and conversation."
Written by the Rev. Dr. Roger Ferlo, associate dean and director for the Seminary's Institute for Christian Formation and Leadership (ICFL), the Religion and Culture Commentary offers short, informal theological reflections on public culture, with a focus on books, music, theater, movies, television and the visual arts. Ferlo, who was trained as a literary and cultural critic, has also spent almost 20 years as a parish priest. He is the author of Opening the Bible and Sensing God, the editor of an anthology of new writing, titled "Heaven," and is a regular contributor to the website Episcopal Café.
The Anglican Commentary, written by the Rev. Dr. Barney Hawkins, newly appointed executive director of VTS' Center for Anglican Communion Studies, will provide information regarding international programs and events with the Seminary's Anglican partners and friends, include interreligious conversations, and will feature Anglican Communion guest contributors.
"The Anglican Commentary is all about a great 'start-up' at Virginia Seminary: The Center for Anglican Communion Studies," said Hawkins. "Through the Commentary, we will track efforts to engage the Communion and encourage conversation about the ministry Anglicans worldwide share in the name of Jesus Christ. All are welcome to the table."
Since coming to VTS in 2000, Hawkins has traveled extensively around the world, including research trips to East Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and New Zealand. Upcoming Anglican Commentaries will feature insights on Hawkins' travels to Myanmar for the enthronement of the Rt. Rev. Stephen Than Myint Oo, 13th bishop of Yangon and the sixth archbishop of Myanmar, and on his visit to England for the Lambeth Conference.
VTS is the largest of the 11 seminaries of the Episcopal Church and was founded in 1823. Committed to a theology which is orthodox and open, VTS prepares men and women for service in the Church worldwide, both as ordained and lay ministers, and offers a number of professional degree programs and diplomas. The Seminary currently represents more than 40 different dioceses and 9 different countries.