The ARP Synod spent 5 hours of Wednesday, March 3rd, working on the matter of governance of Erskine College and Seminary

With Tuesday’s snowstorm behind them and a bright, sunny day welcoming the delegates to the Chapel at Bonclarken Conference, the ARP Synod spent 5 hours working on the matter of governance of Erskine College and Seminary

The morning was spent hearing individuals seeking to make statements from their perspectives (board members, members of the administration, students, alumni, parents of students, and others) on matters before the court.

After lunch there was time taken for delegates to ask questions seeking clarification of the issues. Then at 2:00PM the Synod moved to vote on the four recommendations of the Moderator’s commission that had been introduced on Tuesday night.

(A full text of the Moderator’s Commission Report, including the language of the four recommendations can be found at this link )

During the debate recommendations numbers 1 and 2 consumed most of the time. Recommendation number 1 dealt with setting up a select committee to be charged with rewriting the bylaws of the institutions, which would be required in order to make full changes at the June Stated General synod meeting. A standing vote resulted in 204 yes, 68 no, confirming a strong verbal vote.

Recommendation number 2 dealt with reorganizing the Board of Trustees for the period between March 3rd and the July stated meeting. The Moderators Commission had suggested specific names of 30 people to serve on an Interim Board, including a majority of people from the current board. That recommendation received strong debate, and was finally approved by a counted vote of 173 yes, 96 no, 2 abstentions.

Recommendations 3 and 4 were passed by overwhelming voice votes with some amendments.

A full story of the proceedings will be provided to readers of The Aquila Report later tonight, including details of the issues of debate, all amendments considered, and an analysis of the tenor of the meeting.