Does anyone know?

TD

...Why American JW's sometimes pretend to follow Robert's Rules of Order at the congregational level?

This usually has to do with matters of money. A resolution will be introduced, a motion made, seconded and voted on, say to to embark on a remodel project for example.

Typically, Robert's Rules are thoroughly butchered throughout this process, but that's not my real question.

My main question is, "Why go through the charade at all?"

The implication here is that baptized members of the congregation regardless of whether they are young or old, male or female do have some legal status when it comes to matters directly related to running the congregation. But if they do, how and where is this defined? (e.g. In JW literature or secular law)

Just curious,

Tom

GermanXJW

What are Robert's rules?

TD

Robert's Rules were developed in 1876 by General Henry Robert. Basically they're a set of rules governing parliamentary procedures in deliberative assemblies. They're widely used in everything from homeowners associations to city council meetings.

GermanXJW

Thanks.

I always wondered why there were votes in the German congregations i.e. about bulding a new hall or other projects that involved greater expenses.

The thing is that all congregations are registered associations. But only seven people (the minimum number by law) from the BOE are members of that association. So the other people in the congregation are not really members of that registered association.

Maybe they make this voting to feel the congregation more involved when it comes to donate for expensive projects.

Marvin Shilmer

Hello, Tom

You write:

"Why American JW's sometimes pretend to follow Robert's Rules of Order at the congregational level?"

Who needs Robert's when you can make your own rules as you go?

*** km(US) 2/94 p. 2 Question Box ***
What procedure should be followed when presenting resolutions to the congregation?A resolution is required when a decision must be made about important matters such as purchasing property, remodeling or building a Kingdom Hall, sending special contributions to the Society, or caring for the circuit overseer’s expenses. It is usually best to present a resolution for approval each time congregation funds are dispensed.
As an exception, the congregation might resolve once to contribute a specific amount each month to the Society in addition to what each individual is contributing toward the worldwide preaching work already. Also, normal Kingdom Hall operating expenses, such as utilities and cleaning supplies, do not require a resolution.
When a need becomes evident, the body of elders should discuss the matter thoroughly. If the majority are in agreement that something needs to be done, one of the elders, perhaps a member of the Congregation Service Committee, should prepare a written resolution for presentation at the Service Meeting.
The elder acting as chairman should briefly but clearly explain the need that exists and what the body of elders recommends to care for it. The congregation is then given opportunity to ask pertinent questions. If the matter is complicated, it may be best to delay the vote until the next Service Meeting to give everyone time to think about it. The actual vote is taken by a show of hands.
Voting on the resolution is limited to dedicated and baptized members of the congregation unless legal requirements direct otherwise, as may be the case when corporation matters or Kingdom Hall loans are involved. It would not be appropriate for visitors from other congregations to participate.
After the resolution has been approved, it should be dated, signed, and placed in the congregation file.

Marvin Shilmer

blondie

Actually, in the US, the elder body cannot just spend the money willynilly. Except for things like a mortgage, electric, water and sewer bills (monthly bills that are routinely received each month), a resolution must be drafted and presented to the congregation to be approved. Now most of the time this is rubber stamped, such as the CO's expenses when he visits. Sometimes though it does not go as smoothly If so, the problem is sidestepped by having these things paid out of the maintenance fund which does not need this congregational approval. Why, you may ask? Because most congregations have already passed a resolution approvoing that a monthly sum be paid into the maintenance fund. A second resolution is not required when money is paid out of this fund.

km 2/94 2 Question Box

What

procedure should be followed when presenting resolutions to the congregation?

A resolution is required when a decision must be made about important matters such as purchasing property, remodeling or building a Kingdom Hall, sending special contributions to the Society, or caring for the circuit overseer?s expenses. It is usually best to present a resolution for approval each time congregation funds are dispensed.

As an exception, the congregation might resolve once to contribute a specific amount each month to the Society in addition to what each individual is contributing toward the worldwide preaching work already. Also, normal Kingdom Hall operating expenses, such as utilities and cleaning supplies, do not require a resolution.

When a need becomes evident, the body of elders should discuss the matter thoroughly. If the majority are in agreement that something needs to be done, one of the elders, perhaps a member of the Congregation Service Committee, should prepare a written resolution for presentation at the Service Meeting.

The elder acting as chairman should briefly but clearly explain the need that exists and what the body of elders recommends to care for it. The congregation is then given opportunity to ask pertinent questions. If the matter is complicated, it may be best to delay the vote until the next Service Meeting to give everyone time to think about it. The actual vote is taken by a show of hands.

Voting on the resolution is limited to dedicated and baptized members of the congregation unless legal requirements direct otherwise, as may be the case when corporation matters or Kingdom Hall loans are involved. It would not be appropriate for visitors from other congregations to participate.

After the resolution has been approved, it should be dated, signed, and placed in the congregation file.

Junction-Guy

I have often wondered about this myself. The few times I remember congregational matters being voted on nobody ever dissented, what would happen if someone did? I told my Dad this whole arrangement of congregation voting was hypocritical, but then I realize they were only trying to kowtow to ceasars rules.

Dave

Carmel

As legally constituted corporations, their bi-laws of their articles of incorporation should spell out exactly what dicisions can be made by whom and in what manner. I presume it is identical for each congregation (corporation) in America.

carm

New Castles

yes thanks for this explanation....I used to think the whole thing was stupid, because who was going to vote no in front of the cong

But now I see why its done

Does anyone know?

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