Seminary Journal 2008 (August) - Virginia Theological Seminary

A Refl ection on the VTS Racial and Ethnic Diversity Initiative
Since 2003, Virginia Theological Seminary has intentionally
embarked on an effort to recognize and address issues of
race and diversity through the Racial and Ethnic Diversity
Initiative (REDI). Issues relating to race and diversity and
equality continue to play a major role in our every day life.
Some believe that in this day and time we no longer need to
talk about race and diversity and equality because we have
overcome the major issues related to them. The fact is that
racism and inequality are operative on every level of society
and in the church, whether consciously understood or not.
Through a generous grant from the Carpenter Foundation
and funds raised by VTS for this initiative, the Seminary has
been able to offer programs, lectures, worship services, and
special events that assure that the REDI is woven into the
fabric of our community.
A signifi cant aspect of my work is coordinating the Racial
and Ethnic Diversity Initiative. After almost three years in
my ministry at the Seminary, I believe we have established a
solid foundation for this endeavor upon which we can build
in years to come. Continuing to foster an awareness of racial
and ethnic diversity issues in a constantly changing community
requires intentionality in our prayer, worship, study,
and communal life.
As an institution it is critical that we continue to advocate
and provide resources for a diversity of voices within the
faculty and the curriculum, while we actively recruit racial
and ethnic minorities to matriculate at VTS. We have sponsored
community events, lectures, and forums that promote
racial and ethnic awareness. Our cornerstone event of the
REDI is the commemoration of the martyrdom of The Rev.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4 th of each year. In 2005,
the faculty voted to designate April 4 th as a day dedicated to
VIRGINIA SEMINARY JOURNAL AUGUST 2007
by the Rev. Joseph Constant
Assistant for Admissions and Community Life
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like
the rush of a violent wind, and it fi lled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fi re, appeared among
them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were fi lled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages,
as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem.
And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of
each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each
of us, in our own native language?” Acts 2:1-8 NSRV
observing the remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr. and
the principles upon which his mission and ministry were
based. Over the past two years, VTS has observed the day by
offering lectures and a Eucharist at which a guest is invited
to preach. Dynamic speakers and preachers have included
the Rev. Harold Lewis of Calvary Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh,
the Very Rev. Robert Wright of St. Paul’s Episcopal
Church in Atlanta, and the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, Bishop of
North Carolina.
Towards the end of the academic year 2006-7, the Racial and
Ethnic Diversity Committee, which is comprised of faculty,
staff, students, and alumni, identifi ed Acts 2 as the foundation
of the work that we as a seminary community and
church are called to engage in as we envision the future. For
this effort to continue to bear fruit, it requires the cooperation
of VTS faculty, students, and staff, coupled with the
partnership of VTS alumni, dioceses, and local churches to
work together as we keep the many issues pertaining to race
and diversity and equality at the forefront of our on-going
conversations in our work and ministry.
We will continue to live into the mission of this initiative
while we continue to discern new ways to achieve our goals.
The result of such work is not always readily visible, yet we
believe that God is in the midst of it. I am pleased with the
support that we have received from so many people over the
past few years to make this initiative a reality. I am grateful
to Dean Martha Horne for her vision of a seminary that is
welcoming to people from every race, language, and culture.
It is my prayer that the Spirit of Pentecost will continue to
empower, strengthen, and guide us in our journey to live as
brothers and sisters in Christ.
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