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A Message to Clergy in the Episcopal Diocese of New York

We wanted you, as clergy in the Diocese of New York, to know about a situation that’s developing with Virginia Theological Seminary/The General Theological Seminary.

Virginia Seminary is considering a lease agreement with a choral group called the School of Sacred Music for The General Theological Seminary campus. We’ve been contacted by both General’s neighbors and elected officials about the proposed deal.

We are unable to support the arrangement.  The bishops of New York and Long Island have together signed a statement, which is appended below.

We’ve held multiple conversations with VTS/GTS leadership and have shared the statement with Dean Ian Markham.

We’ve been contacted by media and have shared with them, also. We are not seeking media attention for this statement but will be clear about our position when asked.



Bishop Shin, Bishop Glasspool, and I are glad to answer any questions or concerns.

Grace & Peace,

A Statement from the Bishops of New York and Long Island

concerning the proposed lease arrangement between

VTS/GTS and the School of Sacred Music

March 22, 2024

We proclaim a Gospel that recognizes everyone as a beloved child of God. Over the last generation The Episcopal Church has struggled towards full inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons, including ordination to the diaconate, priesthood, and episcopate. We have made progress. We’re not going back.

Together we oppose the lease arrangement between Virginia Theological Seminary/The General Theological Seminary and the School of Sacred Music. We are concerned by the lack of full acceptance of the LGBTQ stance of its founders and the lack of transparency in its funding.

We recognize the difficult financial situation of VTS/GTS with the General Seminary campus. We are also making difficult decisions about the future use of sacred spaces. It’s important to make decisions that align with our mission and values. Human dignity is not negotiable.

We do sponsor students at both GTS/VTS and are hopeful for continued program partnerships between our Dioceses and the seminary in the years ahead.

The Rt. Rev. Matthew Heyd

Bishop of New York

The Rt. Rev. Allen K. Shin

Bishop Suffragan of New York

The Rt. Rev. Mary D. Glasspool

Bishop Assistant of New York

The Rt. Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano

Bishop of Long Island

The Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf

Assistant Bishop of Long Island

The Rt. Rev. Daniel Allotey

Assisting Bishop of Long Island

The Rt. Rev. R. William Franklin

Assisting Bishop of Long Island

Click here for a PDF of the statement.