United Church of God, an International Association
Council of Elders Meeting Report
June 11, 2009—Teleconference

In today's teleconference, Robert Dick first asked Treasurer Jason Lovelady to discuss the cost of living adjustment (COLA). The Council then discussed the need to develop a plan in answering the concerns some elders have had regarding a portion of its retreat report in the May 2009 Ministerial Services Newsletter and Journal. Later, the Council went into executive session. Darris McNeely joined the teleconference just prior to the executive session.

Cost of Living Adjustment Update

During the February Council meetings, Mr. Lovelady had recommended that the COLA, which was scheduled to take effect at the beginning of January, remain on hold until June. He said at the time, if income remains the same or increases, then the COLA could be given out as a one-time bonus. For this decision to be made, he recommended another teleconference be held on June 22, 2009, which would give the Council a more accurate picture of the financial status for this fiscal year.

Council Retreat Report Discussion

Roy Holladay introduced this topic by noting that during its retreat in May, the Council had planned to put out some type of communication. Darris McNeely wrote a summary that appeared in the Ministerial Services Newsletter and Journal. Due to questions and responses to that statement from various elders, Mr. Holladay recommended that the Council needed to take responsibility and asked for suggestions on how to properly address this matter.

Clyde Kilough responded that anything short of a full look into the matter will be unsatisfactory because too many questions are lingering on the minds of a number of elders. Even though the Council discussed this topic for three to five hours at the retreat, it was only a Council discussion and did not engage the elders who have concerns.

Richard Thompson said we do have an obligation to answer these concerns, suggesting that a group of individuals outside the Council look into those questions. Bob Berendt suggested that having a list of the most-asked questions would be a step in the right direction.

Bill Eddington suggested that the Council itself get more information, and asked whether we should have elders send in the major questions that need to be answered. After further discussion, Mr. Kilough volunteered to compile all the questions, categorize them and send them to the Council.

Paul Kieffer posed the question, is organized communications outside official channels inherently unethical? He said that he was involved with an alternative forum and asked which elders are bringing forth questions. He volunteered to give them more information and answer their questions.

Mr. Kieffer further asked to what extent does the Council have control over private communications among elders? He stated there have been some false statements made about the alternative forum, and that he would like to clarify the issues about it. He once again volunteered to give personal responses.

Mr. Dick mentioned that at the Ethics Committee retreat in November, there was an understanding that an inquiry into this would be beneficial. When you go back to the issues raised, he said, they are based on the fundamental precept that we as a body of elders are to be a brotherhood. We have to have the clear sense that we are all in this together.

Mr. Dick then summarized the discussion: an informational inquiry should take place. The first step is for Mr. Kilough to compile the questions received and send them to the Council. Then, on the scheduled June 22 teleconference, the Council will determine the most appropriate venue for dealing with them. The Council, by unanimous consent without resolution, agreed to this procedure.

At this time the open session ended and the Council went into executive session to discuss recent rules violations on the Elder's Forum.

John Foster
Council Reporter

© 2009 United Church of God, an International Association