Sandusky Conference

To the Huntington College Board of Trustees

God is good, as are His servants in Christ. What a pleasure it is to work alongside Huntington College, as both the college and this conference work together in developing minds and spirits for greater works within the Kingdom of God. Sandusky Conference would like to thank you for the hard work and commitment to the students you develop and mold for the future.

In December of 2001 and January 2002, the Sandusky Conference Ministerial and Licensing Commission, along with Superintendent Roger Overmyer and myself, Superintendent Randy Carpenter, met to discuss issues that have come to our attention in regards to the matter of Open Theism and Inclusivism.

We understand the importance of educating students in a way that will prepare them for views that might fall within our own biblical worldview, as well as views that might fall outside. This is a necessary element in shaping minds and assisting in an individual's process of maturity. Sandusky Conference believes that, though teaching these views can be a part of the educational processes of the students of Huntington College, as well as the students that will be handed over to the individual conferences for licensing, we do not feel that these views fall within what is scriptural, nor do they fall within the biblical/historical parameters of the United Brethren in Christ Church or with Sandusky Conference.

Therefore, due to the fact that our churches have held to certain biblical/historical theological standards, Sandusky Conference will be evaluating more closely the ministerial students of Huntington College and their individual philosophies of ministry. If they hold to either the views of Open Theism or Inclusivism, we will not consider them for licensing within Sandusky Conference, nor will they be considered for filling positions of ministry within Sandusky Conference churches.

Sandusky Conference is not trying to single out these views alone, for we know that other views often have to be looked at and examined under a criteria that is biblical, as well as United Brethren.

Sandusky Conference would like you to consider the consequences that could come to bear on the churches of the United Brethren in Christ. Our concern is foremost for the Kingdom of God, His churches, Huntington College, and for the students that will eventually fill the positions of leadership within United Brethren churches. If we are not truly careful, the long-range effects on Christ's church will not be growth but will be division.

Sandusky Conference is truly thankful for Huntington College and your pursuit of excellence in the academic world. Please understand that we are not attempting to attack, we are simply stating to you that there will be consequences on churches when issues such as this one arise. The issues of Open Theism and Inclusivism are not alone as the issues that may raise red flags within some of our churches and their congregations. However, we can only deal with each issue individually. Sandusky Conference has chosen to deal with this issue by asking you to consider the long-range effects this will have for the churches that are United Brethren.

Sincerely,

Randy A. Carpenter (West District superintendent)
Roger Overmyer (East District superintendent)
Lee Hiney (West District MLOC chairperson)
Steve Clulow (East District MLOC chairperson)