United Church of God, an International Association
Council of Elders Meeting Report
May 1, 2010—Cincinnati, Ohio
Chairman Roy Holladay called the meeting to order at 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time by asking Doug Horchak to open with prayer. All members of the Council of Elders, except Jim Franks, were present. Larry Darden, legal counsel, was also present.
Roy Holladay addressed the General Conference of Elders (GCE) guest attendance resolution passed in March 1999. Larry Darden pointed out that it does not match our church attendance policy and recommended a new resolution. He commented that Dave Johnson, secretary, has some concerns and asked the secretary to express those concerns.
Dave Johnson stated that one of the issues is there are no guidelines to the secretary for refusing a request. Further, putting this into effect at this time, he continued, does not allow anyone to request to attend these meetings within the two-day requirement. Also, if the public media showed up, this could be a very difficult situation until some things were worked out. He said that he knows of no one planning to interrupt the meetings and absolutely does not support anyone doing so. He also stated that he is aware that someone could go to the local media and advise them of the goings on here at these meetings.
Larry Darden addressed these concerns and the Council discussed the need for a change in the attendance policy for the GCE meeting.
Then Aaron Dean moved, Robert Berendt seconded and the quorum of the Council of Elders unanimously passed the following:
Whereas, the Council desires to rescind and replace its resolution of March 2, 1999, regarding attendance at meetings of the General Conference of Elders (GCE) and related matters therein,
Now therefore, it is hereby resolved, that the resolution of March 2, 1999, with regard to attendance at meetings of the GCE, and related matters, is rescinded,
It is resolved further, that only guests who timely apply to, and who are approved by, the Secretary of the GCE for permission shall be allowed to attend the annual meeting(s) and/or related activities of the GCE. A “guest” means anyone who is not (1) a documented member of the GCE and their invited wives, or (2) Home Office staff who are present per assignment. A “timely” application shall mean an application received at least two (2) days before GCE meetings, unless the Council or the Chairman of the GCE waives the tardiness of an application. The Secretary shall give the Chairman a list of approved guests at least one day prior to the GCE meeting.
It is resolved further, that the Chairman of the GCE or the Council may withdraw or revoke such permission for a guest to attend a meeting or related activity of the GCE at any time in their sole and subjective discretion. Such attendance by a guest does not give that guest the right of participation and he must only listen in silence during the meeting and conduct himself as a guest, unless he is allowed to participate by the Council or the Chairman of the GCE. All attendees of GCE meetings or related activities are expected to conduct themselves with respect and Christian decorum and are subject to removal for disruptive or unacceptable behavior. The Council or the Chairman of the GCE may also issue additional instructions to the Secretary, from time to time, with regard to attendance or conduct expected of attendees or guests at GCE meetings or related activities.
It is resolved further, that meetings of the GCE and related activities are private religious meetings not open to the general public and that the Church’s Attendance Policy shall also apply to GCE meetings or related activities.
Bill Eddington emphasized that there was still the need for guidelines to be provided to the secretary with regard to refusing attendance to the GCE to someone. Chairman Holladay said that the Roles and Rules Committee should be assigned this task.
The meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m.
-end-
Gerald Seelig
Council Reporter
© 2010 United Church of God, an International Association