Katherine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church of the United States, is calling on all members of her denomination to support historically Black Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia. The college is facing an accreditation review and needs to shore up its financial position. The school has been on probation for two years by the accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. A loss of accreditation, could force the college to close as students would no longer be eligible for federal financial aid. About 76 percent of all students at Saint Paul’s College receive federal Pell Grants for students from low-income families.
In an open letter to the Episcopalian community, Bishop Schori wrote that Saint Paul’s College “has played a vital role in the life of our church since its founding in 1888. We need the leadership and service of these students and graduates in our common life. We also need your assistance to help the students and faculty continue their strong record of achievement now and well into the future.”
The college hopes to raise $1.2 million. Donations can be made online here.
