Ecumenical & Interfaith
• Bishop Payne Scholarship Fund for Black Episcopalians Announced at Virginia Seminary
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Jan 17, 2008, 10:43

Alexandria, VA – The Virginia Theological Seminary has announced the Bishop Payne Scholarship Fund, an award of full tuition for any full or part-time black student who is an Episcopalian from a province within the Episcopal Church USA and who is entering the Master in Divinity, Master in Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Christian Education, Anglican Studies or Full-time Special Student programs.  

“I am very excited about this initiative,” said the Very Rev. Ian Markham, dean and president of Virginia Theological Seminary.  ”It will strengthen the community at VTS and the wider Church as a new generation of black Episcopal leadership emerges.”

The Bishop Payne Scholarship is named for the Bishop Payne Divinity School, established in 1878 in Petersburg, Virginia, to prepare black men for ministry in the Episcopal Church.  The school was named for the Rt. Rev. John Payne (1815-1874) who graduated from VTS in 1836 and was the first missionary bishop to Liberia.  In 1953, Virginia Theological Seminary and the Bishop Payne Divinity School merged. The assets of the Bishop Payne Divinity School became the principal for the Bishop Payne Scholarship Fund to be used for the benefit of black Episcopalians preparing for the ministry. It is from the seed of those funds that the Bishop Payne Scholarships have been funded. Each student receiving this award will be named a Bishop Payne Scholar.

The Master’s programs at Virginia Theological Seminary are grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and prepare men and women for leadership and service in the Church and in the world.  Some who study here will be ordained and serve as professional clergy in the church.  Others will carry the knowledge and skills learned here into other professions and occupations. 

To apply for the Bishop Payne Scholarship, contact the Office of Admissions at 703-461-1706. Initially, the Bishop Payne Scholarship program will be offered to entering students for two academic years: 2009-2009 and 2009-2010. Students enrolling in these years will receive the scholarship for the duration of their study. Additionally, the Seminary offers a generous financial aid package to those who are eligible.

Founded in 1823, Virginia Theological Seminary is the largest of the 11 accredited seminaries of the Episcopal Church. The school prepares men and women for service in the Church worldwide, both as ordained and lay ministers, and offers a number of professional degree programs and diplomas. Currently, the Seminary represents more than 55 different dioceses and 7 different countries, for service in the Church.