On May 14, the Rt. Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, 11th Bishop of Indianapolis, gave the commencement address for Virginia Theological Seminary. Here is a portion of her address:
“I deeply believe that we are watching a new church being born. And in this church, as in every age, we need ALL of the gifts. The gifts of teaching, preaching, and tending the sacramental life of the church will continue to provide a firm foundation for community-building and justice-seeking and radical welcoming that is needed now more than ever. But I bid you never forget that this is the work of the whole people of God, lay and ordained,” said Baskerville-Burrows. “As we create the church that will respond to the spiritual and economic sea changes happening all around us, we will be called to be midwives of the sacred, not technicians of the sanctuary.”
“I deeply believe that we are watching a new church being born. And in this church, as in every age, we need ALL of the gifts. The gifts of teaching, preaching, and tending the sacramental life of the church will continue to provide a firm foundation for community-building and justice-seeking and radical welcoming that is needed now more than ever. But I bid you never forget that this is the work of the whole people of God, lay and ordained,” said Baskerville-Burrows. “As we create the church that will respond to the spiritual and economic sea changes happening all around us, we will be called to be midwives of the sacred, not technicians of the sanctuary.”
“You are just the ones we have been waiting for.”
For the first time, VTS Commencement was celebrated exclusively online. Forty-five students received their degrees.
Bishop Jennifer concluded, "I pray that you find your own assurance that nothing—not even a virus—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Wherever you are bound, know that this hurting world needs you. I give thanks for each of you and your ministry in our beloved church that the world desperately needs. You are just the ones we have been waiting for."
Read more and watch the full service here.
Bishop Jennifer concluded, "I pray that you find your own assurance that nothing—not even a virus—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Wherever you are bound, know that this hurting world needs you. I give thanks for each of you and your ministry in our beloved church that the world desperately needs. You are just the ones we have been waiting for."
Read more and watch the full service here.
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