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Hicks accepts chaplain’s resignation
Oct 17, 2003 8:00 AM
By Stefan Eady - Faculty
Father John Merchant, Chaplain at Darlington School, has resigned from the School, effective Friday, Oct. 10, 2003. David Hicks, Darlington School president, announced Merchant’s resignation to students and faculty members at an assembly, Oct. 10 and in a letter to parents. To help friends of the School better understand this development, here is a copy of President Hicks' letter.
Hicks’ letter to parents:
Dear Parents and Friends of Darlington School,
I’m writing to tell you that Father John Merchant, Chaplain at Darlington School, has resigned from the School, effective Friday, October 10, 2003.
As some of you are aware, an opinion piece that Father Merchant wrote for the student newspaper sparked considerable controversy and, sadly, divisiveness throughout much our School community. Some have supported Father Merchant’s views and praised his courage in expressing them. Others have criticized those views and his decision to take sides on two controversial religious issues, questioning—in that light—his ability to serve effectively as a Chaplain in a non-denominational school.
Needless to say, all of this has created considerable stress for all us concerned.
We have never questioned Father Merchant’s right to his own opinions. From the start, the headmaster, board leadership, and I have worked with him to find a way through this thicket, one addressing the divisiveness and honest disagreements that exist, and yet one that would make it possible for Father Merchant to continue his ministry as our Chaplain.
However, after much discussion, Father Merchant informed me that, given the situation in our community, he felt he could not perform his ministry here. It is with sincere regret that we have accepted his resignation.
I have asked the chairman of the board to establish an ad hoc committee to review the role of the Chaplaincy, within the framework not only of its stated religious policy, but in terms of the School’s rich Christian heritage as a non-denominational school.
Father Merchant is a good man. We wish him only the best as he continues his Christian ministry.
Yours faithfully,
David V. Hicks, president
Hicks’ letter to parents:
Dear Parents and Friends of Darlington School,
I’m writing to tell you that Father John Merchant, Chaplain at Darlington School, has resigned from the School, effective Friday, October 10, 2003.
As some of you are aware, an opinion piece that Father Merchant wrote for the student newspaper sparked considerable controversy and, sadly, divisiveness throughout much our School community. Some have supported Father Merchant’s views and praised his courage in expressing them. Others have criticized those views and his decision to take sides on two controversial religious issues, questioning—in that light—his ability to serve effectively as a Chaplain in a non-denominational school.
Needless to say, all of this has created considerable stress for all us concerned.
We have never questioned Father Merchant’s right to his own opinions. From the start, the headmaster, board leadership, and I have worked with him to find a way through this thicket, one addressing the divisiveness and honest disagreements that exist, and yet one that would make it possible for Father Merchant to continue his ministry as our Chaplain.
However, after much discussion, Father Merchant informed me that, given the situation in our community, he felt he could not perform his ministry here. It is with sincere regret that we have accepted his resignation.
I have asked the chairman of the board to establish an ad hoc committee to review the role of the Chaplaincy, within the framework not only of its stated religious policy, but in terms of the School’s rich Christian heritage as a non-denominational school.
Father Merchant is a good man. We wish him only the best as he continues his Christian ministry.
Yours faithfully,
David V. Hicks, president
