Monday, January 18, 2010

Proposals for Transparency_Clarify the Agenda Process

The following proposal, one of the three "Proposals for Transparency," was submitted in both 2008 and 2010 in an attempt to try to lift the cloak of secrecy that has for too long draped our beloved organization, creating mistrust between leadership and ministers. In both instances, these proposals were REJECTED by Church of God leadership.


PROPOSAL: That the Church of God make the agenda process fully transparent.

Inasmuch as our Presiding Bishop has embarked the leadership of the Church of God on a “Quest for Trust,” it is imperative that members of the Church of God perceive that full accountability and complete transparency are the standards by which our decisions are made and our business conducted. Therefore, the following is proposed:

Within the Church of God Minutes there is no clear, detailed description of the process whereby proposals are submitted to the Church of God so that they may be considered for inclusion in the Agenda of the General Assembly. The Minutes do not preclude a single person having literal or virtual “veto” power over any submitted proposal. Thus, to not only ensure that each proposal is given a broad and fair hearing by the leadership of the Church, but to also ensure that members of the Church of God perceive the agenda process as accountable and fair, it is proposed that the agenda process be specifically detailed so that all members may be made aware of this important element.

It is further proposed, if it is not already the case, that every proposal be reviewed by the entire International Executive Council. In addition, that prior to a fair and open review/discussion by the entire International Executive Council, there be no prior indication or any “recommendation” regarding whether a proposal be accepted, rejected, tabled, etc.

Moreover, that every proposal be made public in advance of the General Assembly, as well as the vote of each member of the International Executive Council.

Lastly, it is proposed that description of the agenda process include a synopsis of how a proposal is received, processed, reviewed, voted upon (e.g., is a simple majority sufficient?), and so forth.

2 comments:

  1. It appears you have removed our discussion regarding the Holy Trinity. If that's the case, is there any way it can be restored?

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  2. Anonymous, I'm sorry, I don't know how to do that. I simply streamlined the blog so that the most pressing issues would show. While I do not believe in the "traditional" notion of the trinity, I did not want people to focus (in horror, apparently--ha!) on what I'd like to change doctrinally, but to focus on those things that need to change in the Church of God.

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