Hopefully this process can begin quickly and be completed in such a manner that Erskine can move forward. We pray that all involved in the situation will open their hearts to the possibility of resolution and reconciliation

Many of you are aware of and very concerned about the complicated situation at Erskine College and Seminary. There are serious challenges that cannot be ignored, even in the short run, if Erskine is to fulfill her missions to provide an excellent liberal arts education in a Christ-centered environment and to educate persons for service in the Christian Church.

The Board of Trustees of Erskine, as it was constituted prior to the March 3, 2010, action of General Synod, has the authority to continue to act as Erskine’s Board per the order of Judge Griffith. Given the gravity of the current situation, the Executive Committee of the Board met on Friday, April 23, to address the immediate issues confronting Erskine.

All members of the Executive Committee were in attendance. In our meeting, we had trustees who would have served on the Interim Board that General Synod named, had it been seated, and we had trustees who would have been removed and not seated on the Interim Board. We had in that meeting one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit and one of the members of the Executive Board of the General Synod who had also served on the Moderator’s Commission. The meeting was marked by a spirit of unity.

Our prayer is that this unity can be extended to include others involved in the dispute. We are hopeful that momentum from this meeting can begin a process to increase understanding and seek resolution. The Executive Committee has formed a subgroup to initiate such a process. We hope to work with those immediately involved in the situation to seek the Lord’s will in determining how it might be resolved to His glory. It is not the intent of this subgroup to speak for the will of the full Board but rather to engage in analyzing and communicating with willing parties on how this situation might be resolved.

We recognize that there is a legal process that is also attempting to resolve this issue on the basis of fact and law. The subgroup will not seek to intervene in the legal matter nor ask either side to take unilateral actions that would weaken their position. However, we hope part of reconciliation can take the form of an agreement between the parties that would involve a settlement of the legal matters.

Hopefully this process can begin quickly and be completed in such a manner that Erskine can move forward. We pray that all involved in the situation will open their hearts to the possibility of resolution and reconciliation. We also pray that all who are involved will refrain from actions that would make resolution and reconciliation more difficult. In particular, we hope that all would refrain from attacks on individuals or a group who may indeed be trying their best to do what they think is right.

We solicit your prayers and your support for this important process to glorify God.

Sincerely,
D. Scott Mitchell
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Ruling Elder, Bethel ARP Church
Oak Hill, AL

Joseph H. Patrick, III
Vice-Chairman, Board of Trustees
Ruling Elder, First ARP Church
Rock Hill, SC