What happens in an arbitration when you get an automatic stay?

i received the notice that a claim was being filed...i responded and asked for validation of the debt (as it said i could do). i copied the forum on the request...i have not received a response from the claimant, but i have received one from the forum just saying we have received a copy of your request....now i have received a notice of automatic stay from the claimant and a copy from the forum....what is going on? but i am going to reply and remind then that i requested validation and see what happens, i will object the stay also....