In September of last year, shortly after the agreement to lease the Close was signed, Vanderbilt University removed or covered all General Theological Seminary signage across the campus. This action caused considerable distress for many within the GTS community, and especially among alumni, whose deep connections to General are rooted in its physical presence on…

In accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the GTS Alumni/ae Executive Committee, it is our pleasure to announce the election of the following to a three-year term on the AEC, beginning January 1, 2026: The Rev. Jeff Thornberg, M.Div. ’08 The Rev. John Rumple, Ph.D. ’11 The Rev. Ian Burch, D.Min. ’24 Ms. Mary…

During the current period of campus restoration and transition, alumni and friends of The General Theological Seminary remain warmly welcome to visit the Close, and are especially encouraged to visit the Chapel of the Good Shepherd for personal prayer and quiet reflection. GTS remains present on the Close and will continue here in perpetuity, even as Vanderbilt University…

These days the soundtrack of life on Chelsea Square is the steady rhythm of construction — scaffolding rising and shifting along 21st Street, inside the Close in front of Lorillard, White, and Edson Halls, and even now climbing its way around the Chapel Tower as I write. Not even January’s freezing temperatures and February’s snowstorms…

May 2025 – February 2026 We lift up before God those sometime students of the General Theological Seminary who have died in the past year, commending them to God’s mercy and giving thanks for their lives and ministries. Bishop Craig Anderson, Dean and President of The General Theological Seminary Class of 1952 Vern Edward Jones…

GTS was honored to host Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) for the conferral of the Dean’s Cross for Servant Leadership on Stephen Colbert for his work as a satirist who provokes critical thinking and inspires change, and on Evelyn McGee-Colbert for her ministry and leadership in the arts. The Dean’s Cross is the highest honor VTS…

The Journey Continues A few weeks ago, a photograph arrived that has stayed with me. It was taken after a midweek Eucharist at Christ Church, Greenville, South Carolina. In it, Peggy Muncie, MDiv ’74, stands vested at the altar. Beside her, also vested, is Kristin Bennett, a seminarian in Cohort 4 of our hybrid MDiv…

The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D., Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) and President of The General Theological Seminary (GTS) has announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2027-2028 academic year after 21 years of leadership. The Boards of Trustees of GTS and VTS are launching an international search…

In 2021, the Board of Trustees took a courageous and faithful step. Recognizing both the changing landscape of theological education and the enduring strengths of General, they committed to developing an authentic hybrid model of formation—one that honors the residential experience, while embracing the possibilities of online learning. A true hybrid program is not an…

An Episcopal priest with significant skills in congregational vitality, pastoral care and liturgical leadership, The Rev. Ian Burch is known for his gifts as a preacher, musician and administrator. He is a passionate advocate and scholar in the field of church hospitality and growth, how holy liturgy shapes us for Christ’s service in the world,…