Participating Seminary

Virginia Theological Seminary

Founded in 1823, the Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) is the largest and second oldest of eleven accredited Episcopal seminaries in the United States. It offers the following degree programs: The Master in Divinity, The Master of Theological Studies, The Master of Arts in Christian Education, and the Doctor of Ministry. The seminary also offers many non-degree programs for clergy and laity through its Institute for Christian Formation and Leadership.

The seminary serves an international community, with students in residence each year from every domestic province of the Episcopal Church and from different countries throughout the world. VTS has historic connections and partnerships with theological schools in many different parts of the Anglican Communion, including East Africa, South Africa, Central America, Haiti, and Myanmar. VTS graduates played an important role in the creation of Anglican churches in China, Japan, Liberia, and Brazil, and many of its graduates now serve as bishops in different provinces of the Anglican Communion, as well as in the United States. As historian W.A.R. Goodwin noted, "The chief glory of the Theological Seminary in Virginia has been her loyalty and devotion to the Church." That commitment to the mission of the Church continues today as men and women are formed for ministry and leadership in a rapidly changing world.

VTS was founded by clergy and laity from Virginia, Washington, and Maryland, including William H. Meade, rector of Christ Church, Alexandria, William H. Wilmer, rector of St. Paul's, Alexandria, Reuel Keith, rector of Christ Church, Georgetown, in the District of Columbia, and Francis Scott Key, prominent lay leader from that parish. It is especially fitting that congregations in the dioceses of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington are working together in the venture that is MRP as they infuse new life into a partnership that began more than 225 years ago.