Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) today celebrated its 202nd Commencement. Degrees and diplomas were conferred on 48 students across the Seminary’s Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Educational Ministry, Diploma in Theology and Diploma in Anglican Studies programs.

The Seminary also conferred four honorary degrees in recognition of significant service to God in the Church and the world, one of which was conferred on an alumnus. The following people received a Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa:

• The Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley, M.P.H., M.Div., President and CEO, National Council of Negro Women
• The Rev. Sarah Coakley, Ph.D., FBA, Norris-Hulse Professor emerita, University of Cambridge
• The Rt. Rev. John T. W. Harmon ’91, XIV Bishop of the Diocese of Arkansas.

A Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa was conferred on:

• Suhaila Tarazi, Director of Al-Ahli Arab Hospital of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D., Dean and President of VTS, said: “Commencement is always a vitally important moment: Virginia Theological Seminary is sending out future leaders of congregations who will witness to Christ, build up the Church, and connect with society. This year the occasion was blessed by four honorary degree recipients who are models of such leadership of witness, building, and connection. Congratulations to our graduates. Go ye into the world and preach the Gospel.”

The Class of 2025 requested Ellen F. Davis, Ph.D., Amos Ragan Kearns Distinguished Professor of Bible and Practical Theology, Duke Divinity School, to be their commencement speaker. Dr Davis’ research focuses on how biblical interpretation bears on the life of faith communities and their response to urgent public issues, particularly the ecological crisis and interfaith relations, as well as exploring the arts as modes of scriptural interpretation.

In her address, Dr. Davis focused on Psalm 27:4, “One thing I ask of Adonai; just this I seek: that I may dwell in the house of Adonai all the days of my life, to gaze upon the loveliness of Adonai and to contemplate His temple.”

She told the graduating class that whatever it meant to gaze upon the loveliness of the Lord in the temple, it did not mean being cowed or avoiding engagement and confrontation. Instead, she pointed out that for this psalmist, the sanctuary was the battlefield, contemplation was a strategic position, and the loveliness of God was the only sure line of defense.

“The psalmist has clarified for all of us what you are to do, Class of 2025. You will take what you have learned of God’s loveliness out of this place to the ends of the earth. You will seek out God’s goodness and not be distracted from the search, no matter how much evil threatens to occupy your mind and heart and soul. Your task is to name and give thanks for every manifestation of goodness and do it in public, as often, as eloquently, as specifically as you can, so that we may all learn just what the loveliness of the Lord looks like in the land of the living. You will make use of the skills you have acquired and honed here. The basic tools of liturgy, scripture, theology, prayers and sacred song. Be strong and let your hearts take courage, beloved in Christ, for you are to be practitioners and teachers of godly hope, of tough, realistic hope, that in you and through you, the psalmist’s prayer may be fulfilled,” she said.

The Class of 2025 has made a gift of an outdoor seating area intended for the use of the staff members who have supported their lives by cleaning their spaces, caring for their children, preparing their meals, and keeping the buildings working and the grounds beautiful. They hope it will be a gift of rest to the people who have eased their time at VTS with their care and attention.

The full Commencement Service can be viewed on the VTS YouTube channel.

Prizes and Awards:

Addie Tapp Budnick received The Anglican Communion Prize, which recognizes a graduating student who has shown an outstanding commitment to discerning the mission of God through world Anglicanism.

Eliza Brinkley and Joy Warburton received The Woodward Award for Reading of Scripture and Liturgy. The award recognizes a graduating student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has demonstrated excellence in the public reading and interpretation of the Scriptures and the Liturgy.

Javanie Byfield received The Bishop Mark Dyer Prize for Theological Reflection. The award recognizes a graduating senior who has developed theological skills and insights to support preaching and service.

Mark Witte received The Episcopal Preaching Foundation Award. Sponsored by the Episcopal Preaching Foundation, the award is bestowed upon a graduating Masters-level student who has demonstrated excellence in preaching.

Talley Banazek received The Greene Chair, a gift of a seminary chair that recognizes a member of the graduating class who has exhibited a strong commitment to the community life and mission of the Seminary.

Addie Tapp Budnick received The Charles and Janet Harris Award that is given each year to a candidate for Holy Orders who has demonstrated academic excellence and leadership ability.

Kara Laughlin received The Ronnie A. Yoder Scholarship Award, which aims to advance the study of love as an appropriate center of Christian theology, life, preaching, and practice, and to explore love as an ecumenical theme unifying all of humankind’s religions.

Nicole Knight received the Master of Arts Thesis and Capstone Award, given to graduating Master of Arts students who have researched and written an exceptional and original thesis or capstone project with clarity, depth, and integrity.

John Kuroda and Ashley Brandon received TheDoctoral Thesis Award that is given to a graduating doctoral student who has written an exceptional thesis with clarity, depth, and boundedness that addresses a higher aim of Christian life, service, and leadership.