A Message of Hope and Prayer from our President, the Very Rev. Dr. Mark Lee

February 4, 2026

Dear family and friends of Bexley Seabury Seminary,

The recent tragic events in Minneapolis have sharply highlighted the growing tension and unrest in our nation. Many of us are understandably troubled—some angry, others deeply sad, and many feeling hopeless or helpless. Such emotions, and others like them, are normal responses in what is an unprecedented and profoundly abnormal time in our lives.

This moment invites deep reflection. How do we, as Christians, respond when fear and conflict seem so present? How do we bear faithful witness to the gospel of peace, love, mercy, grace, and justice entrusted to us? And how do we do so with humility, courage, and hope rooted in Jesus Christ?

For this reason, we commit ourselves first to prayer—prayer for our church, our communities, and our world. We pray for peace, for wisdom, and for healing where there is pain or division. We pray for those who have died, are detained, who are experiencing fear and anxiety, those who have suffered harm, all who are burdened, discouraged, and searching for hope. We ask God to strengthen us for the work we are called to do.

We also remember that prayer leads us into faithful action. As Scripture reminds us, “faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead” (James 2:17). As witnesses to the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are called to live out our faith through our daily lives. For this reason, Bexley Seabury Seminary remains deeply committed to forming, educating, and equipping the saints for the work of the church in the world. Wherever we are, and whatever our vocation, we are all called “to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8). Bexley Seabury remains deeply committed to forming people for lives of thoughtful, humble, and courageous ministry. 

As President of this beloved seminary, I pledge that our faculty and staff will continue to work tirelessly in service of that gospel wherever we find ourselves. We are committed to equipping those serving on “the frontlines” of ministry, in a wide range of contexts, to carry out the work to which God has called us. If you are serving in those “frontlines” of ministry, wherever those are, we’d love to hear your stories, and to hear how we can support you. Together, let us pray—and live—the gospel, shining the light and hope of Jesus Christ in these dark days.

In Christ’s love and hope, and in unity with the 154 members of the Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops,

The Very Rev. Mark C. Lee, DMin, PhD, ACPE

Dean and President

Bexley Seabury Seminary