Ian Markham's Installation Yesterday

I enjoyed Ian Markham's installation service yesterday very much. These are joyous times at the seminary. I thought that the auditorium could have been more full, but many distinguished guests were present, several from the UK. Much work obviously went into the service's planning, so thanks are due to many, especially to my friend Dr. Tony Lewis.

Here is the official VTS Press Release:

Alexandria, VA - Virginia Theological Seminary welcomed its 14th Dean and President today at the installation of the Very Rev. Dr. Ian S. Markham. The ceremony, which was streamed live via the World Wide Web, included the Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee, bishop of Virginia, the Very Rev. Martha J. Horne, dean emerita of Virginia Seminary, and Dr. David H. Charlton, member of the Board of Trustees and chair of the Dean Search Committee. The Revd. Canon Martyn Percy, principal of Ripon College Cuddesdon and the Oxford Ministry Course, in the United Kingdom, gave the installation address.“An installation like this represents something of a marriage,” said Percy, “it gives us the opportunity to remind ourselves that in the process of formation and training, we are wedded to all kinds of otherness; and as our relationships deepen and grow, wisdom is slowly distilled within us.”“What then, of future wisdom?” continued Percy. “We live in interesting times in our shared Communion. Yet many of us believe in its possibility— its wisdom indeed—with an apparently foolish passion.” Percy concluded, “Our future hope may lie in institutions and leaders modeling new kinds of via media in the midst of our disputes and diversity. Perhaps recognizing that whilst we all know what the Bible says, we struggle to agree on what it means. Yet if we can become faithful, open, spiritual struggling communities of interpretations (just like this one), the wider Communion has a chance… seeking only the way of Jesus, that leads us into the truth, charity and wisdom that God longs for his church.” Markham, who just completed his first 100 days as Dean and President, said, “I receive the trust, which has been carefully cultivated by distinguished Deans in the past. My obligation is to deliver the mission of this Seminary - to train leaders who can transform the world. It is a trust - an obligation - that I receive with a sense of trepidation.”Dr. Markham holds a Ph.D. in Christian Ethics from the University of Exeter, an M. Litt. in Philosophy and Ethics from the University of Cambridge, and a Bachelor of Divinity in Theology from the University of London. He is a candidate for holy orders in the Diocese of Connecticut and is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood on December 13, 2007. Click here for a more complete summary of Dr. Markham’s background, experiences and numerous publications. Virginia Theological Seminary is the largest of the 11 accredited seminaries of the Episcopal Church and was founded in 1823. Committed to a theology which is orthodox and open, Virginia Seminary 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.