rsof: QiS/What_are_QiS.xml annotate

annotate QiS/What_are_QiS.xml @ 371:5ef82703ad8c

HST finishes

author	Henry Thompson <ht@markup.co.uk>
date	Tue, 16 Apr 2024 10:41:05 +0100
parents	d55fe21333e7
children

rev	line source
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	1 <?xml version='1.0'?>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	2 <?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="../../../lib/xml/doc.xsl" ?>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	3 <!DOCTYPE doc SYSTEM "../../../lib/xml/doc.dtd" >
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	4 <doc>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	5 <head>
359 d55fe21333e7 as circulated to Trustees et al. Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 358 diff changeset	6 <title>SESAM and the Quakers in Scotland draft proposal</title>
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	7 <author>Henry S. Thompson</author>
354 a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	8 <date>1 April 2024</date>
353 e40a88f7113e footnote, 3.1 done for now Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 352 diff changeset	9 <style>.alpha {list-style-type: lower-alpha}
e40a88f7113e footnote, 3.1 done for now Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 352 diff changeset	10 .footnote {width: 100%; font-size: 80%; float: none; clear: none}</style>
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	11 </head>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	12 <body>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	13 <div>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	14 <title>Introduction</title>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	15 <p>I have struggled at the last two threshing meetings about the proposed
353 e40a88f7113e footnote, 3.1 done for now Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 352 diff changeset	16 governing document (now version of 2024-03-21, hereafter GD) for
352 f94493498cc6 some formatting Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 351 diff changeset	17 Quakers in Scotland (<name>QiS</name>) to adequately convey my concerns. In
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	18 writing this I'm attempting to do better, not only with respect to
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	19 what I think is wrong, but also by suggesting how it could be fixed.</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	20 <p>It's not short, and there's an even longer appendix of background
355 fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	21 detail, so this section provides a summary.</p>
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	22 <p>In their cover letter for the draft GD sent to SESAM Trustees on
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	23 2024-01-06, the <name>QiS</name> Coordinating Group says</p>
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	24 <blockquote>"The Options for Scotland group [proposes] that we form a <emph>single
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	25 charity</emph> and that we form a <emph>single body</emph>. The idea of a single
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	26 body clearly needs more work to discern what this might look
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	27 like. It will take time. That idea is not part of what we are
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	28 asking you about here." (emphasis added)</blockquote>
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	29 <p>Not including a story about "the body" (which I'll call "the church" for
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	30 now) is the primary source of the problems the GD presents for SESAM. Until
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	31 this is fixed I recommend that:</p>
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	32 <blockquote>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	33 <p>SESAM Trustees should advise SESAM that SESAM <emph>should not</emph> agree to
352 f94493498cc6 some formatting Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 351 diff changeset	34 joining <name>QiS</name> without substantial changes to the governing document,
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	35 distinguishing between the charity and the church and making their
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	36 relationship explicit, following the model of the governing document
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	37 for Britain Yearly Meeting (the charity).</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	38 <p>An updated GD needs to make explicit provision for the possibility
358 fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	39 of SESAM (the church) continuing <emph>as</emph> an Area Meeting while laying
fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	40 down SESAM (the charity) <emph>should it decide to do so</emph>. There must be clarity on SESAM (the church)'s
fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	41 status with respect to <name>QiS</name> (the church)</p>
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	42 </blockquote>
355 fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	43 <p>In what follows I'll start by identifying the problems I see with the GD, and go on to
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	44 outline the kind of changes I think would improve it, to the point
358 fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	45 where SESAM would support the creation of <name>QiS</name>, both church and
fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	46 charity, take its place as part of <name>QiS</name> (the church) and consider
fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	47 laying down SESAM (the charity) in favour of <name>QiS</name> (the charity).</p>
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	48 </div>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	49 <div>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	50 <title>Problems with the GD</title>
355 fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	51 <p>The GD uses "Quakers in Scotland" for both the charity and the church, without
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	52 ever explicitly acknowledging that they are distinct. Sometimes
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	53 context makes clear which they are referring to, but not always.</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	54 <p>There are two problems here:</p>
352 f94493498cc6 some formatting Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 351 diff changeset	55 <list class="alpha" type="enum">
f94493498cc6 some formatting Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 351 diff changeset	56 <item>The lack of a clear distinction between the two, exemplified
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	57 further by the calling letter for GM on 6 April 2024, which
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	58 describes the matter before the Meeting once as "a single Quaker
352 f94493498cc6 some formatting Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 351 diff changeset	59 body" and once as "a single Quaker charity / body";</item>
f94493498cc6 some formatting Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 351 diff changeset	60 <item>The very limited nature of what is said, or more often implied,
355 fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	61 about the church. This is acknowledged in the quote above: "[the
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	62 body] is not part of what we are asking you about here".</item>
352 f94493498cc6 some formatting Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 351 diff changeset	63 </list>
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	64 <p>These problems arise in large part because, perfectly understandably,
355 fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	65 the <name>QiS</name> Coordinating Group evidently started with a template for governing documents for
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	66 (English/Welsh) CIOs made available by Quaker Life
353 e40a88f7113e footnote, 3.1 done for now Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 352 diff changeset	67 (<link href="https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/cio-constitution-template-agreed-2014">https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/cio-constitution-template-agreed-2014</link>),
e40a88f7113e footnote, 3.1 done for now Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 352 diff changeset	68 which embodies the same confusion*.</p>
355 fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	69 <p>But <emph>why</emph> are these problems for SESAM, and even granted that they are, why do
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	70 they need to be fixed <emph>now</emph>?</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	71 <p>They are problems because the existing Area Meetings' responsibilities
358 fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	72 and activities as a worshipping body, governed by Meetings for Worship
355 fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	73 for Church Affairs of their membership as set out in Quaker Faith and Practice (QF&P), are largely
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	74 distinct from their responsibilities and activities as a charity,
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	75 governed by trustees. The former consist of, for example, the spiritual and
353 e40a88f7113e footnote, 3.1 done for now Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 352 diff changeset	76 pastoral care of their members and their witness to their communities, grounded in our
e40a88f7113e footnote, 3.1 done for now Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 352 diff changeset	77 testimonies, whereas the latter focus on
358 fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	78 maintaining the Area Meeting's legal status and financial well-being.
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	79 As for Britain Yearly Meeting, whose succinct self-characterisation
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	80 recently has been "A simple church supported by a simple charity", so
355 fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	81 it should be for Area Meetings. QF&P has useful
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	82 guidance on this relationship throughout section 15. 15.03 is
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	83 particularly relevant:</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	84 <p> "The law may assume that authority for determining action
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	85 passes to the trustees and the meeting may choose to do
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	86 this. However, under Gospel Order, the ultimate authority will
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	87 still lie with the gathered meeting."</p>
355 fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	88 <p>The reasons these problems need to be fixed <emph>now</emph> are</p>
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	89 <list type="enum">
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	90 <item>In general, because the current lack of clarity on the governance
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	91 structure of <name>QiS</name> makes it impossible for the members of SESAM to know how and to what
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	92 extent they will have any say in what happens to their assets and property.</item>
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	93 <item>In particular, because it is laid on Area Meeting
354 a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	94 trustees to manage the assets of the Area Meeting in such a way as to
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	95 support the charitable objects of the Area Meeting, and without a
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	96 clear understanding of how that will continue to be true once those
352 f94493498cc6 some formatting Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 351 diff changeset	97 assets are transferred to the <name>SCIO</name>, they would fail in that
353 e40a88f7113e footnote, 3.1 done for now Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 352 diff changeset	98 responsibility, which the law expresses as <span>"[they</span> must] seek, in good
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	99 faith, to ensure that the charity acts in a manner which is consistent
355 fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	100 with its purposes"</item>
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	101 </list>
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	102 <p>A clear separation between the church and the charity is a simple first step towards the necessary clarifications.</p>
358 fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	103 <note class="footnote"><p>* Indeed SESAM (the charity)'s own governing document is also based on a
355 fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	104 similar, more recent, template for non-incorporated Area Meetings from
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	105 Quaker Life
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	106 (<link href="https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/governing-document-for-am-cc-approved-11-2022-final">https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/governing-document-for-am-cc-approved-11-2022-final</link>),
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	107 and so also suffers from these problems.</p>
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	108 <p>East of Scotland AM
353 e40a88f7113e footnote, 3.1 done for now Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 352 diff changeset	109 and North of Scotland AM's governing documents are also based on the
e40a88f7113e footnote, 3.1 done for now Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 352 diff changeset	110 non-incorporated Area Meeting template. Stewardship of North of
e40a88f7113e footnote, 3.1 done for now Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 352 diff changeset	111 Scotland Quaker Trust is identified as a responsibility of NSAM
e40a88f7113e footnote, 3.1 done for now Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 352 diff changeset	112 Trustees in their Terms of Reference. West of Scotland's document is
e40a88f7113e footnote, 3.1 done for now Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 352 diff changeset	113 shorter, and perhaps based on an early template, compared to the
355 fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	114 others.</p></note>
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	115 </div>
355 fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	116 <div>
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	117 <title>A note on terminology</title>
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	118 <p>For clarity, hereafter
358 fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	119 I'll call <name>QiS</name> (the charity) the <name>SCIO</name>, short for the (proposed) "Scottish Charitable
fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	120 Incorporated Organisation" and I'll call <name>QiS</name> (the church) the <name>RSFS</name>, short
355 fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	121 for the "Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Scotland".</p>
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	122 </div>
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	123 <div>
355 fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	124 <title>Improving the GD</title>
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	125 <div>
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	126 <title>Distinguishing the charity and the church</title>
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	127 <p>The GD should make a clear distinction between the <name>SCIO</name> and
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	128 the <name>RSFS</name>, modelled on the distinction found in the governing document of
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	129 "Britain Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	130 (Britain Yearly Meeting)" as registered with the Charity Commission
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	131 (charity no. 1127633). Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM) is (an English)
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	132 Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Its governing document defines
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	133 that lengthy name as the charity and "The Religious Society of Friends
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	134 (Quakers) in Britain" as the church.</p>
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	135 </div>
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	136 <div>
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	137 <title>The future of the Area Meeting(s)</title>
354 a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	138 <p>The GD should make it explicit that in the first instance
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	139 the four Area Meetings, as well as General Meeting for Scotland, will
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	140 continue to exist and function after the creation of the
358 fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	141 <name>SCIO</name> and the <name>RSFS</name>. These five will constitute the <name>Constituent Meetings</name> of the
fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	142 <name>RSFS</name>. Initially membership of the <name>RSFS</name> will be defined as
fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	143 membership of any of the Constituent Area Meetings.</p>
fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	144 <p>The GD should specify that transfer from the Constituent Meetings of</p>
354 a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	145 <list>
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	146 <item>their assets, properties and trusteeship to the <name>SCIO</name></item>
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	147 <item>their spiritual and pastoral activities and responsibilities to the
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	148 <name>RSFS</name></item>
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	149 </list>
358 fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	150 <p>will be at their discretion as to both timing and substance. Membership
fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	151 matters should not be transferred to the <name>RSFS</name> until such time as
fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	152 QF&P recognises the <name>RSFS</name> as a body that can carry out the relevant
fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	153 procedures per QF&P chapter 11.</p>
354 a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	154 <p>We feel strongly that many of our spiritual and pastoral activities
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	155 are best served in smaller constituencies that the <name>RSFS</name>. We
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	156 understand that some Area Meetings need to unburden themselves quickly
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	157 of some of their responsibilities, but we hope that they will wish to
355 fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	158 retain some of them, particularly membership, pastoral care and
354 a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	159 eldership.</p>
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	160 <p>Accordingly, the GD should make clear that for those things
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	161 <emph>not</emph> transfered to the <name>SCIO</name> and/or the <name>RSFS</name>, Constituent
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	162 Meetings will remain as parts of the Religious Society of Friends
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	163 (Britain), governed by the relevant parts of QF&P.</p>
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	164 </div>
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	165 <div>
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	166 <title>Governance of the <name>RSFS</name></title>
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	167 <p>The GD should specify how the <name>RSFS</name> operates as a Quaker
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	168 Meeting. There should be an annual Meeting for Worship for Church Affairs open
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	169 to all members. At least in the short term the Clerks of the Constituent
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	170 Meetings should serve as the clerking team for this, with one of their number
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	171 actually serving as the Clerk on the day. Other Meetings could be held when
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	172 required. At least three representatives of each Constituent Meeting must be
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	173 present for any Meeting of the <name>RSFS</name> to be able to conduct
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	174 business.</p>
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	175 <p>The above is intended to allow for a structure for the governance of the
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	176 <name>RSFS</name> very like the way in which Yearly Meeting and
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	177 Meeting for Sufferings together provide governance for Britain Yearly Meeting
a47144b6c809 more-or-less complete, but needs restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 353 diff changeset	178 (the church).</p>
359 d55fe21333e7 as circulated to Trustees et al. Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 358 diff changeset	179 <p>The amendment of the GD and the appointment of trustees, of a Treasurer who is <emph>ex officio</emph>
d55fe21333e7 as circulated to Trustees et al. Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 358 diff changeset	180 a trustee and of a Nominations Committee should all be
d55fe21333e7 as circulated to Trustees et al. Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 358 diff changeset	181 identified in the GD as matters reserved to the <name>RSFS</name> in session.
d55fe21333e7 as circulated to Trustees et al. Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 358 diff changeset	182 There should be at least one trustee from each Constituent Area Meeting.</p>
355 fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	183 </div></div>
fb26c48a880a Restructured Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 354 diff changeset	184
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	185 <div>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	186 <title>Some extensive background, which has informed my thinking.</title>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	187 <p>Thanks to Jackie Noltingk, Erica Thomas and Lesley Richards for
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	188 helpful answers to my questions, and to Kathryn Gulliver and Piers Voysey for sending
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	189 me copies of their AM's governing documents.</p>
356 770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	190 <div>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	191 <title>Mostly about QiS</title>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	192 <p>The General Meeting for Scotland (GM) mailing list were told
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	193 (2023-11-17), in regard to</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	194 <p> "(1) The possibility of merging our existing 6 charities into a
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	195 single body, Quakers in Scotland.</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	196 <p> "(2) How we might organise all our concerns and worship more
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	197 effectively as a single charity."</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	198 <p>that</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	199 <p> "The first step for (1) is to agree a governing document to replace
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	200 the six comparable documents that apply to our existing charities."</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	201 <p>and</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	202 <p> "Friends will hear more requests soon to join in important
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	203 discussions relating to (2)."</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	204 <p>I've searched my inbox without success for any request to "join in
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	205 important discussions relating to (2)" until, possibly, the invitation
352 f94493498cc6 some formatting Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 351 diff changeset	206 from <name>QiS</name>-CG (2024-03-11) to two "information and discussion sessions
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	207 on progress with work towards having a single body and charity for
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	208 Quakers in Scotland".</p>
352 f94493498cc6 some formatting Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 351 diff changeset	209 <p>However the cover letter from <name>QiS</name> (2024-01-06) sent to SESAM Trustees
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	210 says</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	211 <p> "The Options for Scotland group [proposes] that we form a single
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	212 charity and that we form a single body. The idea of a single body
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	213 clearly needs more work to discern what this might look like. It
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	214 will take time. That idea is not part of what we are asking you
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	215 about here."</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	216 <p>In fact the document laid before us in the special Area Meeting on
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	217 15 January (Draft of 2023 12 29c.docx) had a lot to say about the
358 fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	218 body. Or did it? As I read it at the time it didn't clearly
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	219 distinguish between the charity and the body, using the phrase
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	220 "Quakers in Scotland" in what I found to be confusing ways.</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	221 <p>A new draft (Draft of 2024 03 21.docx) has just been made available,
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	222 with only modest changes from the earlier draft. I'll take it as
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	223 definitive with respect to what we will have before us on 6 April.
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	224 It hasn't changed much, if anything, of what I've found that makes me
356 770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	225 uneasy about agreeing to adopt it.</p></div>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	226 <div>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	227 <title>Existing models of church and charity structures</title>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	228 <div>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	229 <title>Britain Yearly Meeting</title>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	230 <p>The charity is Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Britain, and Britain
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	231 Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers),
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	232 Charity number: 1127633</p>
356 770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	233 <p>The governing document for this
353 e40a88f7113e footnote, 3.1 done for now Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 352 diff changeset	234 (<link href="https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/bym-governing-document-revised-min34-bym2014">https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/bym-governing-document-revised-min34-bym2014</link>)
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	235 begins with the following definitions:</p>
352 f94493498cc6 some formatting Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 351 diff changeset	236 <list type="enum" class="alpha">
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	237 <item>The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Britain refers to
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	238 the church in England, Scotland, Wales, the Channel Islands and
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	239 the Isle of Man, including all its local meetings for worship and
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	240 its constituent meetings for church affairs as well as all their
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	241 work [referred to below as <name>the Society</name>].</item>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	242 <item>Britain Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	243 (Quakers) [<name>Britain Yearly Meeting</name>] refers to the centrally held
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	244 and managed policy, property, employment and work of the charity
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	245 constituted by this document.</item>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	246 <item>Yearly Meeting in session [<name>Yearly Meeting</name>] refers to the annual
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	247 assembly that is open to all members of the Society.</item>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	248 <item>Area Meetings are the main local meetings for church affairs and
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	249 these are the level of the Society at which individual membership
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	250 is held. Each Area Meeting is a separate charitable entity and
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	251 may be registered as such with the Charity Commission.</item>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	252 <item><emph>Quaker faith & practice</emph> is the current edition of the Book of
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	253 Christian discipline of the Religious Society of Friends
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	254 (Quakers) in Britain</item>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	255 <item>Meeting for Sufferings is the standing representative body of the Society.</item>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	256 <item>The term Friend refers to a member of the Society.</item>
356 770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	257 </list>
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	258 <p>Note that there are two clearly distinguished entities, "the church"
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	259 and "the charity". The charity is governed by the above referenced
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	260 governing document, the church by the Red Book.</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	261 <p>Subsequent articles make clear that the Society, embodied in Yearly
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	262 Meeting in session and Meeting for Sufferings, is responsible for
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	263 amending the governing document, appointing Britain Yearly Meeting
359 d55fe21333e7 as circulated to Trustees et al. Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 358 diff changeset	264 trustees, among them the BYM Treasurer, approving their terms of reference and appointing their
d55fe21333e7 as circulated to Trustees et al. Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 358 diff changeset	265 clerks.</p>
356 770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	266 </div>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	267 <div>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	268 <title>East of Scotland</title>
359 d55fe21333e7 as circulated to Trustees et al. Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 358 diff changeset	269 <p>The governing document for the "Religious Society of Friends
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	270 (Quakers) [in Britain] East Scotland Area Meeting (abbreviated as
359 d55fe21333e7 as circulated to Trustees et al. Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 358 diff changeset	271 East Scotland Area Meeting)" is based on a template provided by
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	272 Quaker Life
359 d55fe21333e7 as circulated to Trustees et al. Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 358 diff changeset	273 (<link href="https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/governing-document-for-am-cc-approved-11-2022-final">https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/governing-document-for-am-cc-approved-11-2022-final</link>), which is distinct for the one for CIOs.
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	274 The template does not make any overt distinction between the church
358 fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	275 and the charity. However the phrases "(East
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	276 Scotland) Area Meeting in session" clearly refer to the church, and
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	277 in "3. Object The object of East Scotland Area Meeting" it is
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	278 evidently the charity.</p>
356 770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	279 <p>This sentence, taken unchanged from the template, is of note: "If
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	280 at a meeting of East Scotland Area Meeting the members decide that
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	281 it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Area Meeting or to
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	282 amalgamate with another Area Meeting <emph>and this is agreed by Meeting
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	283 for Sufferings</emph>, the trustees shall have the power to realise any
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	284 assets held by or on behalf of the Area Meeting. Any assets
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	285 remaining after the satisfaction of any proper debts and
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	286 liabilities shall, <emph>with the agreement of Meeting for Sufferings</emph>, be
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	287 given or transferred to another Area Meeting, to Britain Yearly
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	288 Meeting, or to some other charitable institution or institutions
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	289 having objects similar to that of the area meeting and failing that
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	290 for such other charitable purpose as Britain Yearly Meeting shall
356 770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	291 direct." [Emphasis added]</p></div>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	292 <div>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	293 <title>South East Scotland</title>
359 d55fe21333e7 as circulated to Trustees et al. Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 358 diff changeset	294 <p>The governing document for the "Religious Society of Friends
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	295 (Quakers) in Britain: South East Scotland Area Meeting [referred to
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	296 below as South East Scotland Area Meeting or the area meeting and
359 d55fe21333e7 as circulated to Trustees et al. Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 358 diff changeset	297 formerly known as South East Scotland Monthly Meeting]" likewise is
358 fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	298 based on the Quaker Life template, sharing its lack of clarity on church
fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	299 versus charity, to my embarrassment. "Subject to the matters set out
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	300 below the resources of the area meeting shall be administered in
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	301 accordance with this governing document by the trustees..." is
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	302 clearly talking about the charity, whereas "Amendments to this
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	303 governing document shall be agreed by South East Scotland Area
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	304 Meeting in session and recorded by minute of the area meeting."
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	305 it's the church. The dissolution clause is again taken from the
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	306 template, with the addition of GM for Scotland to the allowed
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	307 dispositions.</p>
356 770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	308 </div>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	309 <div>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	310 <title>Dundee Friends Property Trust</title>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	311 <p>This was governed by a 130-odd-year-old deed
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	312 of trust, superseded in 2009 by a governing document, which I
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	313 can't find online. From the 2020 Annual Report:</p>
356 770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	314 <p>"New trustees are appointed by the remaining trustees, who are
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	315 bound to select individuals in sympathy with the conditions of
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	316 the original Trust Deed and who shall, if possible, be
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	317 representative of Dundee Local Meeting. The majority of Trustees
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	318 shall be drawn from Dundee Local Meeting."</p>
356 770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	319 </div>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	320 <div>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	321 <title>North of Scotland</title>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	322 <p>Their governing document is also based on the Quaker Life template.
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	323 Stewardship of North of Scotland Quaker Trust is identified as a
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	324 responsibility of NSAM Trustees in their Terms of Reference.</p>
356 770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	325 </div>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	326 <div>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	327 <title>General Meeting for Scotland</title>
357 e516458a4f69 tidying up the background more Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 356 diff changeset	328 <blockquote>
e516458a4f69 tidying up the background more Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 356 diff changeset	329 <p>"There are five Trustees of General Meeting for Scotland who have responsibility to the Office of the Scottish Charity Registrar (OSCR) for the right ordering of General Meeting.</p>
e516458a4f69 tidying up the background more Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 356 diff changeset	330 <p>"General Meeting itself meets quarterly for business</p>
e516458a4f69 tidying up the background more Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 356 diff changeset	331 <p>"General Meeting acts on behalf of Britain Yearly Meeting in such procedures as may be required by the Scottish Parliament and Scottish legal affairs."</p>
359 d55fe21333e7 as circulated to Trustees et al. Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 358 diff changeset	332 <p>[From <link href="https://www.quakerscotland.org/general-meeting">https://www.quakerscotland.org/general-meeting</link>]</p>
357 e516458a4f69 tidying up the background more Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 356 diff changeset	333 </blockquote>
358 fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	334 <p>GM's governing document is here: <link href="https://www.quakerscotland.org/sites/quakerscotland.org/files/documents/Governing%20Document%20amended%202021.pdf">https://www.quakerscotland.org/sites/quakerscotland.org/files/documents/Governing%20Document%20amended%202021.pdf</link>. It appears to be based on the Quaker Life template for Area Meetings.</p>
fb8261490a5c ready for final proofreading Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 357 diff changeset	335 <p>Section <name>12. Constituent Meetings</name> says "i) General Meeting for Scotland consists of all the local Meetings in Scotland."</p>
357 e516458a4f69 tidying up the background more Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 356 diff changeset	336 <p>QF&P (13.54) gives area meetings responsibility for appointing prison
e516458a4f69 tidying up the background more Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 356 diff changeset	337 chaplains and "General Meeting for Scotland is responsible for
e516458a4f69 tidying up the background more Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 356 diff changeset	338 providing [their names] to the governors of all prison establishments
e516458a4f69 tidying up the background more Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 356 diff changeset	339 in the area meeting area".</p>
e516458a4f69 tidying up the background more Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 356 diff changeset	340 <p>A similar story, without the involvement of GM, obtains for
e516458a4f69 tidying up the background more Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 356 diff changeset	341 registering officers. "Each area meeting shall appoint a suitable
e516458a4f69 tidying up the background more Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 356 diff changeset	342 Friend as registering officer ... the area meeting ... shall report
e516458a4f69 tidying up the background more Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 356 diff changeset	343 [the appointment] to the Recording Clerk without delay, by minute
e516458a4f69 tidying up the background more Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 356 diff changeset	344 signed by the clerk ... The Recording Clerk is required to certify all
e516458a4f69 tidying up the background more Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 356 diff changeset	345 such appointments ... in Scotland, to the Registrar General for
e516458a4f69 tidying up the background more Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 356 diff changeset	346 Scotland"; "The registering officer, acting on behalf of the area
e516458a4f69 tidying up the background more Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 356 diff changeset	347 meeting, ..." (QF&P 16.22,23)</p>
356 770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	348 </div>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	349 </div>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	350 <div>
770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	351 <title>The new structure for Wales and the Southern Marches</title>
359 d55fe21333e7 as circulated to Trustees et al. Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 358 diff changeset	352 <p>The "Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Wales and the Marches
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	353 - Cymdeithas Grefyddol y Cyfeillion (Crynwyr) yng Nghymru a’r
359 d55fe21333e7 as circulated to Trustees et al. Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 358 diff changeset	354 Gororau" [know as Cynar] is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation
d55fe21333e7 as circulated to Trustees et al. Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 358 diff changeset	355 (CIO, comparable to an <name>SCIO</name>). Its constitution (linked from
353 e40a88f7113e footnote, 3.1 done for now Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 352 diff changeset	356 <link href="https://www.symudymlaen2.org/">https://www.symudymlaen2.org/</link>) says that the members of the CIO are
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	357 "all members of the Constituent Area Meetings". The constitution
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	358 describes "General meetings of the members of the CIO", and
359 d55fe21333e7 as circulated to Trustees et al. Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 358 diff changeset	359 mandates at least an Annual General Meeting. The Clerks of the
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	360 Constituent Bodies (the AMs and CCQW) constitute the "clerking
359 d55fe21333e7 as circulated to Trustees et al. Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 358 diff changeset	361 team" who set the agenda for GMs and provide a Clerk for each of
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	362 them from among their number. At least two members from each
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	363 Constituent Body must be present for a GM to be quorate. The
359 d55fe21333e7 as circulated to Trustees et al. Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 358 diff changeset	364 Convenors of the NomComms of the Constituent bodies constitute a
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	365 NomComm for the CIO, and prepare nominations for the trustees and
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	366 the Treasurer. There must be at least one trustee from each
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	367 Constituent Body.</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	368 <p> I'm told that "AM trustees will cease to exist, Cymar trustees will
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	369 fulfil the role of AM trustees, but for all 4 AMs and CCQW, so once
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	370 the assets have been handed over, bank accounts closed down and
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	371 final report and accounts prepared, then they can be released by
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	372 their respective AMs and leave the rest to [Cymar] to deal with."</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	373 <p> It's not clear to me how this accords with QF&P 4.02
353 e40a88f7113e footnote, 3.1 done for now Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 352 diff changeset	374 (<link href="https://qfp.quaker.org.uk/passage/4-02/">https://qfp.quaker.org.uk/passage/4-02/</link>) which says "Each area
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	375 meeting is a separate charitable entity and it may be required to
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	376 be registered as such with the relevant charity regulator. Area
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	377 meetings which are registered or preparing for registration will
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	378 operate under a formal governing document, which amongst other
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	379 matters should set out the arrangements for trusteeship."
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	380 </p>
356 770d1724b680 tidying up the background Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 355 diff changeset	381 </div>
357 e516458a4f69 tidying up the background more Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: 356 diff changeset	382 </div>
351 c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	383 </body>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk> parents: diff changeset	384 </doc>

Mercurial > hg > rsof

annotate QiS/What_are_QiS.xml @ 371:5ef82703ad8c