Seminaries of the Episcopal Church receive no financial support from the national church. The Episcopal Church, however, by Resolution at its General Convention in 1982, and every year therafter, has asked all congregations to give “at least one percent of its net disposable budgeted income to one or more of the accredited seminaries” in support of theological education.

Now, more than ever, parishes and missions have a critical stake in the quality of men and women who will preach from their pulpits.

Virginia Seminary continues to rely on parish giving, which amounts to close to 50% of each year’s Annual Giving, to meet its continued commitment to the needs of clergy and laity in congregations throughout the church.

We urge your congregation to participate annually in the Parish 1% Giving Plan to support the seminaries of the Episcopal Church, and are grateful for the parish support that comes to Virginia Theological Seminary.

Over the years, Virginia Seminary has been strengthened though its outreach and interaction with many congregations in the Episcopal Church. The Seminary serves as an excellent human resource for the Church.

In addition to our extensive Field Education program with over 130 parishes and other institutions, each year the Seminary sends students and faculty members to preach and speak about theological education at church forums in the Washington, D.C. area, and elsewhere in the country. We are available on Theological Education Sunday, which takes place on the first Sunday in February or on any Sunday following in Epiphany.

We welcome your inquiries with respect to Parish Giving to the Seminary. If your parish is interested in having a Seminary visitor on Theological Education Sunday, during Epiphany, or any other time, please contact Eliza Saunders, Senior Development and Church Relations Officer, at 1-800-941-0083 or 703-471-1715; esaunders@vts.edu.