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start pblms section
author Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
date Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:45:41 +0000
parents 772de13b9cb9
children e1c9c9a581aa
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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1 I have struggled at the last two threshing meetings about the proposed
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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2 governing document (the version of 2024-03-21, hereafter GD) for
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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3 Quakers in Scotland (QiS) to adequately convey my concerns. In
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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4 writing this I'm attempting to do better, not only with respect to
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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5 what I think is wrong, but also by suggesting how it could be fixed.
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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6
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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7 It's not short, and there's an even longer appendix of background
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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8 detail, so here's a summary:
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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9
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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10 SESAM Trustees should advise SESAM that SESAM _should not_ agree to
772de13b9cb9 more background, TL;DR
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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11 joining QiS without substantial changes to the governing document,
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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12 distinguishing between the charity and the church and making their
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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13 relationship explicit, following the model of the governing document
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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14 for Britain Yearly Meeting (the charity).
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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15
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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16 An updated GD needs to make explicit provision for the possibility
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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17 of SESAM-the-church continuing _as_ an Area Meeting while laying
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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18 down SESAM-the-charity, drawing on the proposed structure for Wales
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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19 and the Southern Marches. There must be clarity on
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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20 SESAM-the-church's status with respect to QiS-the-church and thus
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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21 with respect to the trustees of QiS-the-charity.
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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22
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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23 I'll start by identifying the problems I see with the GD, and go on to
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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24 outline the kind of changes I think would improve it, to the point
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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25 where SESAM would support the creation of the QiS-the-charity and
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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26 would join QiS-the-church.
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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27
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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28 A note on terminology
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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29
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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30 In their cover letter for the draft GD sent to SESAM Trustees on
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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31 2024-01-06, the QiS-CG says
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32
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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33 "The Options for Scotland group [proposes] that we form a _single
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34 charity_ and that we form a _single body_. The idea of a single
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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35 body clearly needs more work to discern what this might look
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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36 like. It will take time. That idea is not part of what we are
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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37 asking you about here." (emphasis added)
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38
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39 Above I used "QiS-the-charity" to refer to such a charity and
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40 "QiS-the-church" to refer to such a body. For simplicity, hereafter
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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41 I'll call the former "the SCIO", short for "the Scottish Charitable
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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42 Incorporated Organisation" and the latter "the RSFS", short for "the
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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43 Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Scotland".
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44
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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45 Problems with the GD
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46
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47 1. The church and the charity
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48
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49 The distinction between the SCIO and the RSFS is explicitly modelled
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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50 on the distinction found in the governing document of "Britain Yearly
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51 Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) (Britain Yearly
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52 Meeting)" as registered with the Charity Commission (charity
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53 no. 1127633). Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM) is (an English) Charitable
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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54 Incorporated Organisation. Its governing document defines that
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55 lengthy name as the charity and "The Religious Society of Friends
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56 (Quakers) in Britain" as the church.
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57
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58 The GD uses "Quakers in Scotland" (QiS) for both of these, without
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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59 ever explicitly acknowledging that they are distinct. Sometimes
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60 context makes clear which they are referring to, but not always.
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61
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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62 2. The future of the Area Meeting(s)
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63
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64
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65 ---------------
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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66 Some extensive background, which has informed my thinking.
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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67
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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68 Thanks to Jackie Noltingk, Erica Thomas and Lesley Richards for
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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69 helpful answers to my questions.
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70
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71 The General Meeting for Scotland (GM) mailing list were told
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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72 (2023-11-17), in regard to
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73
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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74 "(1) The possibility of merging our existing 6 charities into a
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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75 single body, Quakers in Scotland.
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76
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77 "(2) How we might organise all our concerns and worship more
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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78 effectively as a single charity."
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79
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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80 that
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81
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82 "The first step for (1) is to agree a governing document to replace
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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83 the six comparable documents that apply to our existing charities."
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84
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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85 and
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86
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87 "Friends will hear more requests soon to join in important
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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88 discussions relating to (2)."
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89
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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90 I've searched my inbox without success for any request to "join in
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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91 important discussions relating to (2)" until, possibly, the invitation
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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92 from QiS-CG (2024-03-11) to two "information and discussion sessions
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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93 on progress with work towards having a single body and charity for
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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94 Quakers in Scotland".
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95
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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96 However the cover letter from QiS (2024-01-06) sent to SESAM Trustees
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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97 says
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98
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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99 "The Options for Scotland group [proposes] that we form a single
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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100 charity and that we form a single body. The idea of a single body
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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101 clearly needs more work to discern what this might look like. It
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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102 will take time. That idea is not part of what we are asking you
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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103 about here."
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104
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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105 In fact the document laid before us in the special Area Meeting on
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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106 15 January (Draft of 2023 12 29c.docx) had a lot to say about the
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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107 body. Or did it? As I read it at the time it did't clearly
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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108 distinguish between the charity and the body, using the phrase
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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109 "Quakers in Scotland" in what I found to be confusing ways.
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110
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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111 A new draft (Draft of 2024 03 21.docx) has just been made available,
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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112 with only modest changes from the earlier draft. I'll take it as
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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113 definitive with respect to what we will have before us on 6 April.
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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114 It hasn't changed much, if anything, of what I've found that makes me
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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115 uneasy about agreeing to adopt it.
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116
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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117 More background: What do we already have as models for how charities
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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118 and their trustees work. I'm reasonably familiar with two examples,
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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119 which guide my thinking in this matter.
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120
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121 1. The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Britain, and Britain
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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122 Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers),
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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123 Charity number: 1127633
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124
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125 The governing document for the latter charity
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126 (https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/bym-governing-document-revised-min34-bym2014)
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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127 begins with the following definitions:
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128
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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129 *Definitions*
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130
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131 a. The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Britain refers to
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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132 the church in England, Scotland, Wales, the Channel Islands and
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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133 the Isle of Man, including all its local meetings for worship and
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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134 its constituent meetings for church affairs as well as all their
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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135 work [referred to below as *the Society*].
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136
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137 b. Britain Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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138 (Quakers) [*Britain Yearly Meeting*] refers to the centrally held
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139 and managed policy, property, employment and work of the charity
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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140 constituted by this document.
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141
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142 c. Yearly Meeting in session [*Yearly Meeting*] refers to the annual
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
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143 assembly that is open to all members of the Society.
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144
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parents:
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145 d. Area Meetings are the main local meetings for church affairs and
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
146 these are the level of the Society at which individual membership
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
147 is held. Each Area Meeting is a separate charitable entity and
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
148 may be registered as such with the Charity Commission.
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
149
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
150 e. _Quaker faith & practice_ is the current edition of the Book of
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
151 Christian discipline of the Religious Society of Friends
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
152 (Quakers) in Britain
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
153
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
154 f. Meeting for Sufferings is the standing representative body of the Society.
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
155
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
156 g. The term Friend refers to a member of the Society.
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
157
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
158 * Highlighting added
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
159
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
160 Note that there are two clearly distinguished entities, "the church"
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
161 and "the charity". The charity is governed by the above referenced
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
162 governing document, the church by the Red Book.
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
163
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
164 Subsequent articles make clear that the Society, embodied in Yearly
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
165 Meeting in session and Meeting for Sufferings, is responsible for
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
166 amending the governing document, appointing Britain Yearly Meeting
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
167 trustees, approving their terms of reference and appointing their
342
97ced423ec4c more background
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parents: 340
diff changeset
168 clerks, among them the BYM Treasurer.
340
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
169
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
170 2. Area meetings in Scotland governing documents
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
171
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
172 * North of Scotland Quaker Trust is evidently distinct from NSAM, but
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
173 I haven't found a governing document.
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
174
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
175 * The governing document for the Religious Society of Friends
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
176 (Quakers) [in Britain] East Scotland Area Meeting (abbreviated as
342
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parents: 340
diff changeset
177 East Scotland Area Meeting) is based on the template provided by
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parents: 340
diff changeset
178 Quaker Life
97ced423ec4c more background
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parents: 340
diff changeset
179 (https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/governing-document-for-am-cc-approved-11-2022-final).
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parents: 340
diff changeset
180 The template does not make any overt distinction between the church
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
181 and the charity, to my embarassment. However the phrases "(East
340
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
182 Scotland) Area Meeting in session" clearly refer to the church, and
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
183 in "3. Object The object of East Scotland Area Meeting" it is
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
184 evidently the charity.
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
185
342
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
186 This sentence, taken unchanged from the template, is of note: "If
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
187 at a meeting of East Scotland Area Meeting the members decide that
97ced423ec4c more background
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parents: 340
diff changeset
188 it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Area Meeting or to
97ced423ec4c more background
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parents: 340
diff changeset
189 amalgamate with another Area Meeting _and this is agreed by Meeting
97ced423ec4c more background
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parents: 340
diff changeset
190 for Sufferings_, the trustees shall have the power to realise any
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
191 assets held by or on behalf of the Area Meeting. Any assets
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parents: 340
diff changeset
192 remaining after the satisfaction of any proper debts and
97ced423ec4c more background
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parents: 340
diff changeset
193 liabilities shall, _with the agreement of Meeting for Sufferings_, be
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
194 given or transferred to another Area Meeting, to Britain Yearly
97ced423ec4c more background
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parents: 340
diff changeset
195 Meeting, or to some other charitable institution or institutions
97ced423ec4c more background
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parents: 340
diff changeset
196 having objects similar to that of the area meeting and failing that
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parents: 340
diff changeset
197 for such other charitable purpose as Britain Yearly Meeting shall
97ced423ec4c more background
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parents: 340
diff changeset
198 direct." [Emphasis added]
340
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
199
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
200 * The governing document for the Religious Society of Friends
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
201 (Quakers) in Britain: South East Scotland Area Meeting [referred to
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
202 below as South East Scotland Area Meeting or the area meeting and
342
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
203 formerly known as South East Scotland Monthly Meeting] likewise is
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
204 based on the Quaker Life template. "Subject to the matters set out
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
205 below the resources of the area meeting shall be administered in
340
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
206 accordance with this governing document by the trustees..." is
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
207 clearly talking about the charity, whereas "Amendments to this
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
208 governing document shall be agreed by South East Scotland Area
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
209 Meeting in session and recorded by minute of the area meeting."
342
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
210 it's the church. The dissolution clause is again taken from the
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
211 template, with the addition of GM for Scotland to the allowed
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
212 dispositions.
340
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
213
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
214 * I can't find a governing document for whatever charity is
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
215 associated with West of Scotland
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
216
342
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
217 * Dundee Friends Property Trust was governed by a 130-odd-year-old deed
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
218 of trust, now superseded in 2009 by a governing document, which I
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
219 can't find online. From the 2020 Annual Report:
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
220
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
221 "New trustees are appointed by the remaining trustees, who are
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
222 bound to select individuals in sympathy with the conditions of
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
223 the original Trust Deed and who shall, if possible, be
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
224 representative of Dundee Local Meeting. The majority of Trustees
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
225 shall be drawn from Dundee Local Meeting."
340
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
226
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
227 * General Meeting for Scotland
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
228
342
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
229 * The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Wales and the Marches
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
230 - Cymdeithas Grefyddol y Cyfeillion (Crynwyr) yng Nghymru a’r
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Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
231 Gororau [know as Cynar] is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
232 (CIO, comparable to an SCIO). Its constitution (Linked from
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
233 https://www.symudymlaen2.org/) says that the members of the CIO are
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
234 "all members of the Constituent Area Meetings". The constitution
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
235 describes "General meetings of the members of the CIO", and
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
236 mandates at least an Annual General Meeting. The clerks of the
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
237 Constituent Bodies (the AMs and CCQW) constitute the "clerking
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
238 team" who set the agenda for GMs and provide a clerk for each of
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
239 them from among their number. At least two members from each
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
240 Constituent Body must be present for a GM to be quorate. The
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
241 Convenors of the NomComms of the COnstituent bodies constitute a
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
242 NomComm for the CIO, and prepare nominations for the trustees and
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
243 the Treasurer. There must be at least one trustee from each
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
244 Constituent Body.
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
245
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
246 I'm told that "AM trustees will cease to exist, Cymar trustees will
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
247 fulfil the role of AM trustees, but for all 4 AMs and CCQW, so once
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
248 the assets have been handed over, bank accounts closed down and
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
249 final report and accounts prepared, then they can be released by
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
250 their respective AMs and leave the rest to [Cymar] to deal with."
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
251
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
252 It's not clear to me how this accords with QF&P 4.02
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
253 (https://qfp.quaker.org.uk/passage/4-02/) which says "Each area
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
254 meeting is a separate charitable entity and it may be required to
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
255 be registered as such with the relevant charity regulator. Area
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
256 meetings which are registered or preparing for registration will
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
257 operate under a formal governing document, which amongst other
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
258 matters should set out the arrangements for trusteeship."
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
259
97ced423ec4c more background
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 340
diff changeset
260
344
772de13b9cb9 more background, TL;DR
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 342
diff changeset
261 Prison Chaplains
772de13b9cb9 more background, TL;DR
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 342
diff changeset
262
772de13b9cb9 more background, TL;DR
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 342
diff changeset
263 QF&P (13.54) gives area meetings responsibility for appointing prison
772de13b9cb9 more background, TL;DR
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 342
diff changeset
264 chaplains and "General Meeting for Scotland is responsible for
772de13b9cb9 more background, TL;DR
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 342
diff changeset
265 providing [their names] to the governors of all prison establishments
772de13b9cb9 more background, TL;DR
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 342
diff changeset
266 in the area meeting area".
772de13b9cb9 more background, TL;DR
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 342
diff changeset
267
340
aa9bb951af40 getting started on input to QiS-CG
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
268 Registering officers
344
772de13b9cb9 more background, TL;DR
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 342
diff changeset
269
772de13b9cb9 more background, TL;DR
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 342
diff changeset
270 A similar story, without the involvement of GM, obtains for
772de13b9cb9 more background, TL;DR
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 342
diff changeset
271 registering officers. "Each area meeting shall appoint a suitable
772de13b9cb9 more background, TL;DR
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 342
diff changeset
272 Friend as registering officer ... the area meeting ... shall report
772de13b9cb9 more background, TL;DR
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 342
diff changeset
273 [the appointment] to the Recording Clerk without delay, by minute
772de13b9cb9 more background, TL;DR
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 342
diff changeset
274 signed by the clerk ... The Recording Clerk is required to certify all
772de13b9cb9 more background, TL;DR
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 342
diff changeset
275 such appointments ... in Scotland, to the Registrar General for
772de13b9cb9 more background, TL;DR
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 342
diff changeset
276 Scotland"; "The registering officer, acting on behalf of the area
772de13b9cb9 more background, TL;DR
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 342
diff changeset
277 meeting, ..." (QF&P 16.22,23)
772de13b9cb9 more background, TL;DR
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 342
diff changeset
278