Mercurial > hg > rsof

annotate QiS/What_are_QiS.xml @ 352:f94493498cc6

Find changesets by keywords (author, files, the commit message), revision number or hash, or revset expression.
some formatting
author Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
date Fri, 29 Mar 2024 21:17:31 +0000
parents c82441465fa2
children e40a88f7113e
Ignore whitespace changes - Everywhere: Within whitespace: At end of lines:
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>
352
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
6 <title>SESAM and the Quakers in Scotland 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>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
8 <date>29 Mar 2024</date>
352
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
9 <style>.alpha {list-style-type: lower-alpha}</style>
351
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
10 </head>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
11 <body>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
12 <div>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
13 <title>Introduction</title>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
14 <p>I have struggled at the last two threshing meetings about the proposed
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
15 governing document (the version of 2024-03-21, hereafter GD) for
352
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
16 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
17 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
18 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
19 <p>It's not short, and there's an even longer appendix of background
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
20 detail, so here's a summary:</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
21 <blockquote>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
22 <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
23 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
24 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
25 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
26 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
27 <p>An updated GD needs to make explicit provision for the possibility
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
28 of SESAM-the-church continuing <emph>as</emph> an Area Meeting while laying
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
29 down SESAM-the-charity, drawing on the proposed approach to
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
30 preserving AMs in Wales. There must be clarity on SESAM-the-church's
352
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
31 status with respect to <name>QiS-the-church</name> and thus with respect to the
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
32 trustees of <name>QiS-the-charity</name>.</p>
351
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
33 </blockquote>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
34 <p>I'll start by identifying the problems I see with the GD, and go on to
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
35 outline the kind of changes I think would improve it, to the point
352
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
36 where SESAM would support the creation of the <name>QiS-the-charity</name> and
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
37 would join <name>QiS-the-church</name>.</p>
351
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
38 </div>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
39 <div>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
40 <title>A note on terminology</title>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
41 <p>In their cover letter for the draft GD sent to SESAM Trustees on
352
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
42 2024-01-06, the <name>QiS</name>-CG says</p>
351
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
43 <blockquote>"The Options for Scotland group [proposes] that we form a <emph>single
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
44 charity</emph> and that we form a <emph>single body</emph>. The idea of a single
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
45 body clearly needs more work to discern what this might look
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
46 like. It will take time. That idea is not part of what we are
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
47 asking you about here." (emphasis added)</blockquote>
352
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
48 <p>Above I used "<name>QiS-the-charity</name>" to refer to such a charity and
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
49 "<name>QiS-the-church</name>" to refer to such a body. For simplicity, hereafter
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
50 I'll call the former the <name>SCIO</name>, short for the (proposed) "Scottish Charitable
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
51 Incorporated Organisation" and the latter the <name>RSFS</name>, short
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
52 for the "Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Scotland".</p>
351
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
53 </div>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
54 <div>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
55 <title>Problems with the GD</title>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
56 <div>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
57 <title>The church and the charity</title>
352
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
58 <p>Making a distinction between the <name>SCIO</name> and the <name>RSFS</name> is explicitly
351
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
59 modelled on the distinction found in the governing document of
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
60 "Britain 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
61 (Britain Yearly Meeting)" as registered with the Charity Commission
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
62 (charity no. 1127633). Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM) is (an English)
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
63 Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Its governing document defines
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
64 that lengthy name as the charity and "The Religious Society of Friends
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
65 (Quakers) in Britain" as the church.</p>
352
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
66 <p>The GD uses "Quakers in Scotland" for both of these, without
351
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
67 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
68 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
69 <p>There are two problems here:</p>
352
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
70 <list class="alpha" type="enum">
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
71 <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
72 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
73 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
74 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
75 <item>The very limited nature of what is said, or more often implied,
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
76 about the <name>RSFS</name>. This is acknowledged in the quote above: "the
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
77 body is not part of what we are asking you about here".</item>
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
78 </list>
351
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
79 <p>These problems arise in large part because, perfectly understandably,
352
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
80 <name>QiS</name>-CG evidently started with the 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
81 (English/Welsh) CIOs made available by Quaker Life
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
82 (https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/cio-constitution-template-agreed-2014),
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
83 which embodies the same confusion.</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
84 <p>Indeed SESAM-the-charity's own governing document is also based on a
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
85 similar, more recent, template for non-incorporated Area Meetings from
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
86 Quaker Life
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
87 (https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/governing-document-for-am-cc-approved-11-2022-final),
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
88 and so also suffers from these problems [footnote: East of Scotland AM
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
89 and North of Scotland AM's governing documents are also based on the
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
90 non-incorporated Area Meeting template. Stewardship of North of
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
91 Scotland Quaker Trust is identified as a responsibility of NSAM
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
92 Trustees in their Terms of Reference. West of Scotland's document is
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
93 shorter, and perhaps based on an early template, compared to the
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
94 others.]</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
95 <p>But <emph>why</emph> are these problems, and even granted that they are, why do
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
96 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
97 <p>They are problems because the existing Area Meetings' responsibilities
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
98 and activities as a worshiping body, governed by Meetings for Worship
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
99 for Church Affairs of their membership defined in QF&amp;P, are largely
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
100 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
101 governed by trustees. The former consist of, for example, the spiritual and
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
102 pastoral care of their members and their witness, grounded in our
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
103 testimonies, to their communities, whereas the latter focus on
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
104 maitaining the Area Meeting's legal status and financial well-being.
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
105 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
106 recently has been "A simple church supported by a simple charity", so
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
107 it should be for Area Meetings. Quaker Faith and Practice has useful
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
108 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
109 particularly relevant:</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
110 <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
111 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
112 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
113 still lie with the gathered meeting."</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
114 <p>This needs to be fixed <emph>now</emph> because it is laid on Area Meeting
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
115 trustees to manage the assets of the Area Meeting in such a was as to
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
116 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
117 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
118 assets are transferred to the <name>SCIO</name>, they would fail in that
351
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
119 responsibility, which the law expresses as "[they must] seek, in good
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
120 faith, to ensure that the charity acts in a manner which is consistent
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
121 with its purposes".</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
122 </div>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
123 <div>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
124 <title>The future of the Area Meeting(s)</title>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
125 </div>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
126 </div>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
127 <div>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
128 <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
129 <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
130 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
131 me copies of their AM's governing documents.</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
132 <p>The General Meeting for Scotland (GM) mailing list were told
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
133 (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
134 <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
135 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
136 <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
137 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
138 <p>that</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
139 <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
140 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
141 <p>and</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
142 <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
143 discussions relating to (2)."</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
144 <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
145 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
146 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
147 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
148 Quakers in Scotland".</p>
352
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
149 <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
150 says</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
151 <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
152 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
153 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
154 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
155 about here."</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
156 <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
157 15 January (Draft of 2023 12 29c.docx) had a lot to say about the
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
158 body. Or did it? As I read it at the time it did't clearly
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
159 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
160 "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
161 <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
162 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
163 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
164 It hasn't changed much, if anything, of what I've found that makes me
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
165 uneasy about agreeing to adopt it.</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
166 <p>More background: What do we already have as models for how charities
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
167 and their trustees work. I'm reasonably familiar with two examples,
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
168 which guide my thinking in this matter.</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
169 <p>1. The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Britain, and Britain
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
170 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
171 Charity number: 1127633</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
172 <p>The governing document for the latter charity
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
173 (https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/bym-governing-document-revised-min34-bym2014)
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
174 begins with the following definitions:</p>
352
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
175 <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
176 <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
177 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
178 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
179 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
180 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
181 <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
182 (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
183 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
184 constituted by this document.</item>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
185 <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
186 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
187 <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
188 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
189 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
190 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
191 <item><emph>Quaker faith &amp; 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
192 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
193 (Quakers) in Britain</item>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
194 <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
195 <item>The term Friend refers to a member of the Society.</item>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
196 </list><p>* Highlighting added</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
197 <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
198 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
199 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
200 <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
201 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
202 amending the governing document, appointing Britain Yearly Meeting
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
203 trustees, approving their terms of reference and appointing their
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
204 clerks, among them the BYM Treasurer.</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
205 <p>2. Area meetings in Scotland governing documents</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
206 <p> * The governing document for the Religious Society of Friends
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
207 (Quakers) [in Britain] East Scotland Area Meeting (abbreviated as
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
208 East Scotland Area Meeting) is based on the template provided by
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
209 Quaker Life
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
210 (https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/governing-document-for-am-cc-approved-11-2022-final).
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
211 The template does not make any overt distinction between the church
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
212 and the charity, to my embarassment. However the phrases "(East
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
213 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
214 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
215 evidently the charity.</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
216 <p> This sentence, taken unchanged from the template, is of note: "If
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
217 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
218 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
219 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
220 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
221 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
222 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
223 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
224 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
225 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
226 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
227 for such other charitable purpose as Britain Yearly Meeting shall
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
228 direct." [Emphasis added]</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
229 <p> * The governing document for the Religious Society of Friends
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
230 (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
231 below as South East Scotland Area Meeting or the area meeting and
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
232 formerly known as South East Scotland Monthly Meeting] likewise is
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
233 based on the Quaker Life template. "Subject to the matters set out
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
234 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
235 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
236 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
237 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
238 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
239 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
240 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
241 dispositions.</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
242 <p> * Dundee Friends Property Trust was governed by a 130-odd-year-old deed
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
243 of trust, now superseded in 2009 by a governing document, which I
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
244 can't find online. From the 2020 Annual Report:</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
245 <p> "New trustees are appointed by the remaining trustees, who are
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
246 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
247 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
248 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
249 shall be drawn from Dundee Local Meeting."</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
250 <p> * North of Scotland AM is also based on the Quaker Life template.
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
251 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
252 responsibility of NSAM Trustees in their Terms of Reference.</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
253 <p> * General Meeting for Scotland</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
254 <p> * The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Wales and the Marches
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
255 - Cymdeithas Grefyddol y Cyfeillion (Crynwyr) yng Nghymru a’r
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
256 Gororau [know as Cynar] is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation
352
f94493498cc6 some formatting
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents: 351
diff changeset
257 (CIO, comparable to an <name>SCIO</name>). Its constitution (Linked from
351
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
258 https://www.symudymlaen2.org/) says that the members of the CIO are
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
259 "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
260 describes "General meetings of the members of the CIO", and
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
261 mandates at least an Annual General Meeting. The clerks of the
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
262 Constituent Bodies (the AMs and CCQW) constitute the "clerking
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
263 team" who set the agenda for GMs and provide a clerk for each of
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
264 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
265 Constituent Body must be present for a GM to be quorate. The
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
266 Convenors of the NomComms of the COnstituent bodies constitute a
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
267 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
268 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
269 Constituent Body.</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
270 <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
271 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
272 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
273 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
274 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
275 <p> It's not clear to me how this accords with QF&amp;P 4.02
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
276 (https://qfp.quaker.org.uk/passage/4-02/) which says "Each area
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
277 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
278 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
279 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
280 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
281 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
282 </p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
283 <p>Prison Chaplains</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
284 <p>QF&amp;P (13.54) gives area meetings responsibility for appointing prison
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
285 chaplains and "General Meeting for Scotland is responsible for
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
286 providing [their names] to the governors of all prison establishments
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
287 in the area meeting area".</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
288 <p>Registering officers</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
289 <p>A similar story, without the involvement of GM, obtains for
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
290 registering officers. "Each area meeting shall appoint a suitable
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
291 Friend as registering officer ... the area meeting ... shall report
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
292 [the appointment] to the Recording Clerk without delay, by minute
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
293 signed by the clerk ... The Recording Clerk is required to certify all
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
294 such appointments ... in Scotland, to the Registrar General for
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
295 Scotland"; "The registering officer, acting on behalf of the area
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
296 meeting, ..." (QF&amp;P 16.22,23)</p>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
297 </div>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
298 </body>
c82441465fa2 Very rough port from .txt 349:c9212f
Henry S. Thompson <ht@inf.ed.ac.uk>
parents:
diff changeset
299 </doc>