Bexley Seabury President Addresses House of Bishops on Distributed Theological Education

Bexley Seabury Seminary is pleased to share that the Very Rev. Dr. Mark C. Lee, Dean and President, recently addressed the House of Bishops on the evolving landscape of theological education.

The Very Rev. Dr. Mark C. Lee addresses the House of Bishops on distributed theological education, highlighting the role of hybrid and online formation in serving the needs of the Church. 

Speaking on the theme of “distributed learning,” Dr. Lee highlighted the growing importance of hybrid and online formation models that expand access to theological education while remaining rooted in the life of the Church. His remarks reflected Bexley Seabury’s ongoing commitment as a Seminary Beyond Walls—forming leaders who are deeply engaged in their local contexts while participating in rigorous education rooted in formation and community.

Dr. Lee’s presentation was offered alongside that of the Rev. Dr. Ben King, Academic Dean of Seminary of the Southwest, who spoke about the continued importance of residential theological education. Also present were deans and director of local schools of theology. Together, their reflections underscored a shared commitment across Episcopal seminaries to offer diverse and complementary pathways for formation, as a part of the ecosystem of theological education for the good of the whole Episcopal Church.

These seminaries and schools are working collaboratively to meet the needs of a changing world—equipping lay and ordained leaders through a range of educational models that are accessible, flexible, and designed to meet the needs of students and dioceses.

This shared vision affirms that no single model can meet every need. Rather, through partnership and innovation, Episcopal seminaries are strengthening the Church by offering multiple pathways for faithful, effective leadership.