United Church of God, an International Association
Council of Elders Meeting Report
Thursday, December 9, 2004 – Cincinnati, Ohio

At promptly 9 a.m. Council Chairman Clyde Kilough opened the final series of Council meetings for 2004. Mr. Kilough commented that this round of open-session meetings could possibly be concluded by Sunday, December 12. He explained that the Media and Communications Committee had determined that it needs more time to discuss how to best integrate the approved media philosophy throughout the organization so that everyone shares the same vision. The discussion will include how to go about creating policies and approaches that conform to that philosophy and how to best implement those policies and procedures. He emphasized that doing it right is more important than doing it in haste. Discussions initially planned for this week and meeting will be delayed while the committee continues its efforts. Mr. Kilough pointed out the importance of the committee being thorough and thoughtful in its efforts, since the media philosophy will be shared throughout the organization and will impact the work of the Church for years to come.

After gaining official approval of the meeting minutes for August 2004, the Council heard quarterly reports from Church President Roy Holladay, Treasurer Tom Kirkpatrick and Richard Pinelli, Ministerial Services operation manager. Mr. Holladay updated the Council on the project of documenting the history of United and on the plans for the education program. Richard Thompson reported on the conclusions of the feasibility study on expansion of the Ambassador Bible Center and reviewed the final draft of the report by the Godly Leadership Task Force. The Council concluded its work today in executive session.

President's Report

Mr. Holladay reported that he recently attended the 50th anniversary of the San Antonio, Texas, congregation and helped conduct an Ambassador Bible Center Mini-Sampler in Sacramento, California (with 108 in attendance). He also helped conduct the funeral for longtime San Antonio elder and close friend, George Peyton, who had died of cancer.

Mr. Holladay cited several statistics that show the growth and impact of the Church's work. First he reiterated a report in the November United News that there was a record attendance of 20,487 at the 2004 Feast of Tabernacles and reported that the fall Holy Day offerings showed a 3.8 percent increase over last year. He also pointed out that in the last three years there has been an 87 percent increase in donors (from 3,249 to 6,047) and a 79 percent increase in coworkers (from 1,476 to 2,635). In addition, the Church's primary Web site has shown a strong and steady increase in traffic. There were approximately:

• 212,000 visitors in June.
• 244,000 in August.
• 278,000 in September.
• 283,300 in October.
• 303,000 in November.

Efforts to communicate electronically with readers, subscribers and members continue. E-mail updates are sent periodically to 11,009 Good News subscribers. In addition 9,682 receive e-mails that provide information on Web site updates. The member update e-mail subscription list stands at 8,130.

In last 12 months the mail room staff has sent 425,568 pieces of literature from the home office, a 27 percent increase over last year.

Five newly produced advertising brochures will soon be available for supermarket displays and distribution by membership. Each brochure advertises a booklet and also offers a Good News subscription. The brochures are inexpensive to print and are short, easy to read and designed to stimulate interest on a particular subject—following the concept of "first-contact" literature. Samples will be sent to pastors soon.

Mr. Holladay reported that the youth camp team met at the home office at the end of October. Last summer marked our 10th year of United Youth Camps. In 2004 there were more than 800 campers, supported by nearly 400 staff members. One of the major topics of discussion at the meetings was how to better serve and train our young adults and keep them involved in the Church. With that in mind, Challenger II camp in Arizona will be offered for the first time this winter. The camp will use the venue of rock-climbing to help our young adults grow in confidence and skills, while also using the experience to encourage personal and spiritual growth.

Mr. Holladay discussed the possibility of including an Ambassador Bible Center scholarship fund in next fiscal year's budget to assist international students in attending the program. He pointed out that the need for trained leaders is just as urgent in international areas as in the United States and that ABC can help provide training.

So far 43 students have been accepted for the 2005 ABC session, with two more applications still being processed. The theme for this year will be "Living the Truth"—with emphasis on not only learning, but applying the truth of God's way to life.

Mr. Holladay enumerated a number of ongoing projects that are under way at the home office:

• The writing of job descriptions and performance evaluations of home office staff is underway and will be completed by May 2005.
• Several meetings have been conducted to develop a retirement policy. Recommendations have been presented to the Council's Strategic Planning and Finance Committee and will be presented to the full Council during this session.
• A communication and public relations strategy is being developed. A public relations firm has been selected and will make a presentation to the Council during this session.
• The Winter Family Weekend in Louisville, Kentucky, promises to be a great success. So far members have reserved more than 500 hotel rooms. The month of December offers quite a variety of opportunities for young adults and families, including not only the Louisville Family Weekend but also the Northwest Weekend in the Portland, Oregon, area, the winter camp in Wisconsin and the Challenger camp in Arizona.
• The special fund for development of a media center at the home office has reached its goal of $150,000. Construction can begin in January, assuming that an analysis at that time determines that income, expense and budget projections are stable.
• An Editorial Review Board was established by Council resolution in August 1999. We are considering how to utilize the review board. On January 19, 2005, managing editors for The Good News and several other publications will meet at the home office to coordinate their efforts and the editorial direction of our publications.
• There is a need for continued development of the process for reconciliation of conflicts within the Church. Effort will be made to improve our efforts and add further steps to help make conflict resolution and reconciliation more successful.

Treasurer's Report  

Dr. Kirkpatrick provided each Council member with a year-to-date report comparing expenses and income to the 2004-2005 fiscal year budget. He commented that he is thankful that God has continued to bless the Church and that members have continued to show their support.

While there are a number of ways to analyze the income, each method concludes that the income is steady and is at or near the budgeted expectations. This fiscal year's budget is based on an increase of 2.25 percent over last year. Income so far this fiscal year, depending on the method used to analyze it, shows an increase of 2.1 percent to 3.5 percent.

We are now 42 percent of the way through the current fiscal year, and expenses to date are 45 percent of budget. Total expenses so far include some once-per-year items and some expenses for next month that have already been paid, which accounts for being slightly over budget. Dr. Kirkpatrick summarized that expenses are under control and current projections show they will finish the year at or under budget.

When asked about the special fund for the media center, Dr. Kirkpatrick reiterated that we have reached the goal of $150,000 in contributions. In January 2005 he will analyze the income trend and if it seems likely that the Church will meet the projected budget, those funds will be released for the construction of the studio. In anticipation of that analysis, an architect will begin work this month on initial plans for the center.

Dr. Kirkpatrick also summarized the results so far of the Good Works Program. The program was created by Council resolution in August 2003. The first donations were received in October 2003. In the last 14 months, the Good Works Program has received contributions totaling $68,000, which have been used to fully fund eight projects. He reported that the cookbook project has been very successful. The first printing of 3,500 books is nearly sold out and there may need to be a second printing. The total profits on the book so far are $25,000. A complete report on the Good Works Program is included in the December United News.

Ministerial Services Report

Mr. Pinelli's report focused on this year's Feast of Tabernacles. He commented that God blessed us just before and during the Feast by steering two hurricanes away from our sites in Panama City Beach, Florida, and Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Mr. Pinelli summarized that the total of the number of shut-ins who received audiotapes and those who attended a Feast site was a record 20,487—a 3.7 percent increase over 2003. This reflects a 30 percent increase in attendance over the last six years. He stated that some of this year's increase came from those who attended the UCG sites because nearby non-UCG sites were damaged by the storms. He also mentioned reports from all the U.S. sites that attendance included some who attended a United Feast site from other organizations for the first time. It is not clear whether those individuals attend UCG Sabbath services. For example, there was a non-UCG congregation of about 35 that, for the first time, attended the Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, site.

A replacement site for Hagerstown, Maryland, will be announced within the next several weeks.

He also pointed out that there is a slow but steady and healthy growth in Sabbath and Holy Day attendance.

At the regional pastors meeting, held earlier this month, plans were finalized for three-day regional elders conferences, which will begin in March 2005.

The regional pastors also discussed issues that challenge both the membership and elders. In a poll taken just before the meetings, pastors identified the following as the major issues challenging the Church:

• Members with an independent spirit or philosophy.
• Doctrinal differences within the Church and membership.
• Members with a "lukewarm attitude."
• Members trusting information they find on the Internet more than what they hear from the Church.
• Members who have difficulty with Church government.
• Evangelism and who should evangelize.
• Poor health and aging congregations.
• Church attendance and those who "float" between organizations.

The top issues among pastors were identified as:

• Training of future pastors.
• How United is or should be governed.
• Pastoral workloads.
• Pastoral transfers.
• Morale of the ministry and in the Church.
• Health issues.
• Retirement concerns.

Documenting the History of UCG

Mr. Holladay updated the Council on progress toward documenting the history of United, as was discussed in the August meetings. Mr. Holladay and Council member Victor Kubik worked together to develop some initial suggestions.

First they dealt with the question, "What is the purpose of such a project?" There is a need to accurately reflect why and how United was formed. In addition, as time passes, events become hazy.

There is a great deal of documentation and many eyewitnesses and participants who can put the account together. For example, 12 of the 14 regional pastors came into United. They are in a unique position to document what took place from 1993-1995. Ten of the 14 couples who attended the original planning meetings at Indianapolis are still part of United. There are transcripts and video footage from the Indianapolis conference. The transitional board generated many documents as the organization was being formed. Jim Franks has already produced a presentation on how the Church's founding documents were developed. Mr. Kubik has collected a great deal of documentation and manuscripts that piece together the events of our early history.

Mr. Holladay suggested a six-part outline:

• The history could begin with the establishing of the regional pastor structure in 1993. As doctrinal changes were introduced, it was the regional pastors who attempted to reconcile the differences with Church leadership and worked to find a way to maintain the integrity of God's truth.
• The planning meetings at the Indianapolis Holiday Inn, drawing on the recollections and notes of those who participated.
• The Indianapolis conference itself. The form of church government that was proposed; why two different ideas of church government came out of the conference.
• The work of the transitional board.
• The development of the Church's founding documents.
• How central organization and local congregations were intended to relate and work together.

These chapters of the history of United could be developed in serial form and published in United News. It may take a couple of years to complete the series, which could eventually be published as a book.

Mr. Kilough suggested that interviews be videotaped for use in the future. Mr. Holladay commented that a video could be produced that would relate a short history of United and could be shown to those who visit the home office.

Mr. Kilough suggested that an accurate history is very meaningful and helpful, but a revisionist history is not. Mr. Holladay emphasized that this would be a positive way to communicate what United is about, what we stand for, who we are and that the Church came into existence based on biblical and ethical principles.

Mr. Kilough wrapped up the discussion by emphasizing that the next step should be a Council resolution. He suggested that time be taken to prepare the resolution and that it be presented to the Council later in the meetings.

Update on Education Priorities

Mr. Holladay then gave the Council an update on the status of the Church's member and ministerial education program. He commented that an effort is underway to develop a five-year plan, which would be reviewed and updated annually. Mr. Holladay proposed that in the January-February time frame each year there be meetings or teleconferences with those who work in this area to determine the needs and set priorities for the coming year. That timing would allow for the education projects to be included in the budget-planning cycle.

Recent discussions have centered on the need to be able to reach the hearts of members and to motivate them to further personal growth. As an organization we tend to be good at putting out a great deal of information—but we need to reach members on a more personal level.

Mr. Holladay reviewed with the Council the member education Vision and Mission statements.

Vision statement: "The vision of the Church's education program is for peoples of all ages to grow in the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the hope of the Kingdom of God, including the development and application of godly character in today's society."

Mission statement: "The mission of the Church's education programs is to provide instruction and learning opportunities for peoples of all ages to prepare them for the Kingdom of God and to edify the Body of Christ for service to God and humanity."

Mr. Holladay then reviewed the four education modules and plans for each. The following list highlights some of the topics under consideration.

General Education:

• Schedule two or three seminars/educational videos on subjects such as marriage, covenants and the inter-testamental years.
• Record audio of all major ABC classes and distribute to congregations.
• Schedule three education seminars for possible use at the Feast of Tabernacles.
• Special sermons addressing topics such as the calendar, observing the Sabbath and sacred names.
• More work on issues identified by the Race Relations Committee.

Youth Education:

• Conduct one face-to-face youth education team conference each year and three teleconferences to discuss program needs and plans.
• Develop young adult education resources for regional and family weekends.

Ministerial Education:

• Continue developing the "Relevancy in Preaching Project" through Ministerial Quarterly articles and seminars on sermon preparation and delivery.
• Provide additional articles in Ministerial Quarterly on people skills.

Focused Education:

• The team is considering presentations on alcohol and substance abuse, homosexuality, physical/sexual/emotional abuse, dysfunctional marriage and family issues, addictive behaviors.

ABC Expansion Feasibility Study

Mr. Thompson summarized a report by Gary Antion and Ralph Levy on the feasibility of expanding the Ambassador Bible Center program. Options that were considered include ABC becoming a two-year biblical studies program, a two-year junior college and a seminary program.

The conclusion of the study is that at this point none of those options is viable. ABC students commented that they could not take two years away from their other studies and careers for ABC. All of the options would require additional facilities and faculty, which are beyond the Church's financial resources. An accredited seminary program may require agreement to and teaching of certain mainstream Christian doctrines. In addition, accreditation is not offered to an institution such as ABC, which offers a diploma or certificate instead of a degree.

Dr. Levy commented that while it is not feasible at this time to expand the ABC program, we still have the fundamental problem that a seven-month program doesn't provide the kind of atmosphere and long-term learning experience that Ambassador College offered. He suggested that we should revisit the question of expanding ABC at some point in the future.

Godly Leadership Task Force

Mr. Thompson led the Council through a page-by-page review of the Godly Leadership Task Force report. Council members had received a copy of the report prior to the meetings. Mr. Thompson pointed out a few edits that had been offered by the Education and Ministerial Services Committee.

After discussing the document, Mr. Thompson presented the following resolution, which was approved unanimously by the Council:

Whereas, the Godly Leadership Task Force has presented the Council with a proposal for a leadership initiative for the United Church of God, an International Association

Now therefore, it is hereby resolved, that the Godly Leadership Task Force document, a copy of which is attached and made a part of this resolution, is remanded to the administration of UCGIA for implementation as it deems appropriate, and

It is further resolved, that the Godly Leadership Task Force continue to develop material as requested by the administration of UCGIA.

The task force plans a meeting during the family weekend in Louisville at the end of this month to determine what projects they will undertake.

This concluded the open session for today. The Council concluded its business in executive session.

Don Henson

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United Church of God, an International Association
Council of Elders Meeting Report
Friday, December 10, 2004 – Cincinnati, Ohio

This morning's session included an update from Jim Franks on the status of Doctrine Committee projects and Doug Horchak on the "Evangelism" study paper. In the afternoon, the Council reviewed plans for the 2005 Annual Meeting of the General Conference of Elders and discussed five proposed amendments to the constitution and bylaws.

Doctrine Committee Update

Mr. Franks began by providing the Council with a four-page "Doctrinal Update" summarizing the committee's current activities and plans.

• Two study papers on the calendar have been reviewed. Each paper offers a different perspective on the question of how to determine the beginning of a month. Mr. Franks reviewed with the Council the papers and the letters of response to each. A third lengthy paper on the calendar has also been submitted. Mr. Franks will prepare a response and send a copy to the Doctrine Committee.
• The Doctrine Committee has reviewed the latest draft of the study paper on interracial marriage. Robert Dick will incorporate the final edits and prepare a draft for review and approval at the February meetings.
• The study paper on the nature of God and Christ is nearing completion. Bill Bradford has incorporated new material and the comments and edits from the last Council review and submitted a new draft, a summary of which was provided to the Council. Mr. Franks will prepare a final draft for Council approval at the February meetings.
• The Doctrine Committee has reviewed the latest draft of the study paper on the role of women in the Church of God, prepared by a task force appointed by Ministerial Services. The Council was provided a copy of the paper as it was submitted by the task force. The Doctrine Committee has suggested restructuring the paper by separating the doctrinal study from the executive summary and the recommendations. The committee plans to consider edits and suggestions from the Council review of the paper and provide a final draft for approval at the February meetings.
• The Doctrine Committee reviewed over 300 letters written by the Personal Correspondence Department and returned 16 to be rewritten to correct doctrinal issues and concerns. In addition, committee members will review two other new PCD letters (one on 2 Corinthians:6:14 and the other about the Septuagint) and make recommendations prior to the meetings in February.
• The Doctrine Committee was asked to consider whether it is appropriate to replace Sabbath services with seminars. Rather than writing a letter or statement on this specific matter, the committee recommended that this question should be included in a broader discussion on the appropriate observance of the Sabbath.
• The Doctrine Committee reviewed three papers on various prophetic topics and the calendar submitted by individuals who are not members of United. The committee has already responded to two of these individuals regarding papers they submitted previously. They do not accept our answers or explanations. The committee does not feel compelled to continue to take its time to address the same issue raised by people who simply want to argue their point of view.
• Committee member Mario Seiglie will respond to a question from a member on the subject of voting.

In response to a request made by several members of the General Conference, Mr. Franks put forward a Council resolution to allow additional time for input from elders before a study paper is approved in its final form. As background for the discussion, Mr. Franks distributed copies of the "Process for the Development of Doctrinal Study Papers," which was officially approved by the GCE in December 1996. The following resolution was passed unanimously:

Whereas it is the desire of the Council of Elders to provide open access to documents of a doctrinal nature that are being prepared by the Church;

And whereas there is already a process in place for the production of doctrinal study papers which gives the responsibility of publishing said papers on behalf of the Church to the Council of Elders;

It is hereby resolved that beginning immediately, any paper defined by the Council of Elders as a doctrinal study paper which has been approved for review by the Council of Elders will be posted on the ministerial page of the Church's Web site for an initial period of thirty (30) days prior to publishing to the Church. The purpose in this posting is to provide an additional opportunity for the members of the GCE to offer comments and suggestions for a Council approved draft study paper prior to the official publishing of the paper to the Church. If after thirty (30) days the comments have ceased or there have been none (or very few comments), the paper will move forward with publishing in the manner prescribed by the Council of Elders. If after thirty (30) days the discussion of the paper is ongoing, the length of time for discussion will be extended for another thirty (30) days. Any comments or suggestions regarding the paper must be sent to an e-mail address established for such comments. In order to participate in this additional review each elder agrees that he will not distribute drafts of papers that have been posted for review. To violate this agreement will be considered by the Council of Elders as a violation of the Ministerial Code of Ethics. After the initial thirty (30) days or the full sixty (60) days, the Doctrine Committee will provide the Council of Elders with a summary of the comments from the GCE. The Council can then either (A) reconsider the topic, (B) publish a revised paper incorporating suggested edits from the GCE, or (C) publish the paper in its original form.

Doctrine Committee member Leon Walker pointed out that the purpose of study papers is not to introduce doctrinal change, but to explain and provide further research on doctrines that are already current Church teachings. We don't anticipate the introduction of new doctrine through this process.

"Evangelism in the Scripture" Study Paper

Doug Horchak, Council member and chairman of the Evangelism Task Force, started a review of the status of the study paper. He pointed out that while evangelism may not initially appear to be a high profile topic, it has a great deal to do with the practical application of Jesus' mandate to the Church to "preach the gospel."

Some have expressed concern that we need to finish this study so we can get on with the work of the Church, assuming that if we're studying the subject, we must be confused about how to preach the gospel. In truth, the Church continues to evangelize, as it has done for decades. The Church today is the fruit of the evangelistic work of the Church. The purpose for this study came from the Council's desire to biblically establish our beliefs and practice of evangelism. This is the first time the Church has put an effort into a focused biblical study on this topic.

In the past four months Mr. Horchak stated he has received substantive input from several members of the Council and others have offered more general comments. He said he looks forward to a review of the paper by the GCE, per the resolution passed earlier today. Mr. Horchak emphasized that it's more important to do the paper carefully than to produce it quickly, and that continuing to develop it is not causing the Church to delay any of its work of preaching the gospel.

Mr. Horchak started a review of a summary statement of recommendations on the study paper, but was interrupted due to a scheduling conflict. He will complete his update to the Council later in these meetings.

2005 GCE Planning

Following lunch, Robert Dick chaired a discussion on planning details for the 2005 Annual Meeting of the General Conference of Elders, scheduled for May 14-16, 2005. Dave Register, chairman of the GCE meeting planning task force, joined the Council meeting via telephone. On behalf of the task force, Mr. Register was seeking Council approval of workshop topics and the selection of the keynote speaker for the conference.

The task force provided a list of four men for Council consideration for keynote speaker. The Council decided to take up the matter in executive session and will communicate the decision to Mr. Register.

The task force also presented a list of ten 90-minute workshop subjects and presenters for each. The Council was asked to reduce this list to eight, each of which would be offered twice during the day on May 16, 2005. The Council reduced the list to nine and suggested that the task force select two of those nine to be scheduled one time, instead of twice.

Mr. Walker asked the Council to consider a change in the order of events on Sunday, May 15. He suggested that the balloting take place in the morning rather than in the afternoon. The rest of the presentations would then follow, as originally scheduled. The Council agreed that this change would not impact elders who ballot by mail and would not make it more difficult for elders who listen via telephone connections in different time zones to hear the rest of the presentations.

Balloting early in the day would also make it possible to select from a wider range of men to make presentations, since it is Council policy to not have a man who is up for Council election make a presentation before the voting takes place.

The decision to make the change in the schedule was approved by the Council in an opinion poll, in which seven agreed they would like to see the order changed and five expressed no preference either way.

Joel Meeker suggested that an additional question-and-answer session be added to the program. He pointed out that in the interest of staying connected to our roots and maintaining a sense of Church history, there be a Q&A session with senior pastors—men who have served in the ministry for many decades. Mr. Register responded that the idea seemed workable and he will discuss it with the task force in their next teleconference.

On another scheduling matter, Peter Eddington pointed out that since there will not be an all-day editorial meeting preceding the conference, the meeting of international elders could be scheduled on May 13 instead of May 12, saving one day of lodging and meal expense. Mr. Kilough agreed, and asked Mr. Walker to coordinate the meetings and agenda for the international representatives.

Proposed Amendments

In its final action of the day, the Council turned its attention to five amendments to the constitution and bylaws proposed to be voted on by the GCE in the May 2005 annual meeting. The Amendment Committee, chaired by Rick Avent, has completed review of these proposed amendments and found that they meet all the necessary requirements for Council consideration. Since the deadline for completion of the work by the committee is December 16, more amendments will follow.

As chairman of the Ethics, Roles and Rules Committee, Mr. Dick chaired this portion of the meeting. He reminded the Council of the three options as they consider each proposed amendment:

• If the proposed amendment receives support from four or more Council members, it will be placed on the ballot.
• If a proposed amendment does not receive support from four or more Council members, it will be returned to the Amendment Committee, which will send the proposed amendment to the GCE. If it receives support from 25 percent or more of the GCE, the amendment will be placed on the ballot to be voted on by the GCE in the May 2005 meetings.
• If a proposed amendment does not receive support from four or more Council members, the Council by a simple majority may choose to write a statement of concern.

The first amendment considered was to Constitution Article 1–Mission Statement. The proposed amendment seeks to change the wording of the Mission Statement. In its discussion of the proposed amendment, Mr. Walker commented that several attempts have been made over the years to bring added clarity to this statement, but each raises more questions than it resolves. Mr. Kubik stated that the proposed edit to the statement is not the terminology used in the Bible. This proposed amendment did not receive approval from four or more Council members. The Council did not choose to write a statement of concern. The proposed amendment will be returned to the Amendment Committee for their action.

The next proposed amendment was to Bylaws Article 8 Section 8.2.1 and also Article 9 Sections 9.1 and 9.2. The amendment proposes that no member of the Church's management team may also be elected to serve on the Council of Elders. Since the same amendment was rejected by the GCE in the 2004 meeting, this proposal did not receive support from four or more Council members. The Council did not choose to write a statement of concern. The amendment will be returned to the Amendment Committee for their action.

The Council then considered a proposed amendment to Bylaws Article 12 Section 12.2.2.7, which seeks to limit the Council's power to correct or resubmit a proposed amendment after it has been approved by the Amendment Committee. This proposed amendment received support of four or more elders and will be on the ballot at the 2005 GCE annual meeting.

The next proposed amendment discussed was to Bylaws Article 12 Section 12.2.2.9 and 12.2.2.11. This proposal deals with the approval process by the GCE when an amendment is not supported by the Council. Currently a proposed amendment not supported by the Council must receive support from 25 percent of the entire GCE in order to be placed on the ballot at the annual meeting. This amendment proposes that the wording be changed to require 25 percent of the valid votes cast, rather than 25 percent of the entire GCE. In discussion, Mr. Franks pointed out that this would change the process. Currently GCE members only respond if they are in favor of the proposed amendment being placed on the ballot. To base the decision on 25 percent of votes cast, it would require the entire GCE to vote for or against the amendment to get it on the ballot, and then they would vote for or against the proposed amendment again. Therefore, there needs to be a definition provided for the 25 percent threshold—25 percent of what vote is intended? Council member Aaron Dean, who had written the proposal, withdrew the proposed amendment from consideration.

The next proposed amendment was to Bylaws Article 12.2.2.1, which would add a paragraph at the start of Article 12 and would therefore also change the numbering of the rest of the paragraphs in the article. The proposal seeks to provide an annual timeline for the processing of proposed amendments to avoid conflicts with Holy Days and/or meetings of the Council of Elders. Since this proposed amendment was submitted by the Council of Elders, it was approved by resolution. The vote was unanimous in favor. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot in May 2005.

The final amendment considered today was to Bylaws Article 12.2.2.8. Two proposals were submitted for amending this bylaw, one from members of the GCE and the other by the Council. Both proposed amendments seek to solve the situation of the Council failing to act within 30 days of receiving a proposed amendment. The Council agrees that as presently worded, the result of lack of action on the part of the Council is unclear. But the Council also felt that the amendment proposed in the GCE version is in conflict with the current process, since it proposes to place an amendment on which the Council had not taken action directly on the ballot at the annual meeting. The proposed amendment by the Council seeks to resolve the difficulty by specifically stipulating what happens to an amendment if the Council chooses to not take action on it.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the proposed amendment submitted by members of the GCE did not receive support of four or more Council members. The Council decided at this time it would not write a statement of concern on the proposed amendment, but added that the Council may decide to do so at a later date if necessary.

The Council version of a proposed amendment to Bylaws 12.2.2.8 was put forward and was unanimously accepted.

The Council concluded its business for the day.

Don Henson

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© 2004 United Church of God, an International Association