RICHMOND, Va. (BP) - Trustees of Averett University have acknowledged Virginia Baptists' approval of a jointly developed statement that would dissolve century-and-a-half-old ties between the university and the Baptist General Association of Virginia.

The joint statement was developed March 17 in an attempt to resolve disagreements between the BGAV and Averett over homosexuality the past two years - most recently students' observance of a gay pride week on campus.

The statement stipulates that the covenant between the BGAV and Averett will be dissolved and that the BGAV will end its long practice of nominating a portion of Averett's board of trustees.

The statement also gives sole ownership to the BGAV of a new theological training school in Roanoke, which previously was administered in cooperation with Averett and which was the only recipient of Virginia Baptist funding to Averett. And it commits both the BGAV and Averett to support of the Baptist Student Union on campus.

The Virginia Baptist Mission Board, the executive arm of the Baptist General Association of Virginia, discussed the joint statement in open session April 6 and overwhelmingly approved it.