Minutes of Baltimore Yearly Meeting Interim Meeting

 

Sixth Month 18, 2005

Richmond Monthly Meeting

 

I2005-41 Opening Friends gathered and settled into silence in the meeting room at 2:15 pm in the Richmond Meeting House in Richmond, VA. Out of the silence the Interim Meeting Clerk read a passage from the writings of Margaret Fell Fox—On Simplicity: [in 1700], LSF Manuscript Portfolio 25/66 [from the Library of the Religious Society of Friends, London]; and in London Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 20.31; the quote below from Margaret Fell Fox’s writing is abridged.

 

We are now coming into [what] Christ cried woe against ­minding altogether outward things, neglecting the work of Almighty God in our hearts....

 

Jesus [says] we must take no thought of what we shall eat... what we shall drink... or what we shall put on....

 

[So it is] ... fit for us to be covered with God's Eternal Spirit, and clothed with [God's] Eternal Light, which leads us and guides us into righteousness…

 

            The Clerk expressed appreciation for the hospitality of Richmond Friends.

 

I2005-42 Report of the Search Committee David Hines, Richmond Meeting, reported for the committee three names to be forwarded to Baltimore Yearly Meeting Annual Session:

Recording Clerk, Annual Sessions:  Deborah Haines

Clerk, Interim Meeting: Michael Cronin

Recording Clerk, Interim Meeting: Maria Bradley

 

Friends approved the forwarding of these nominations.

 

Michael announced to Friends that David’s wife was currently in the Emergency Room at a local hospital, and expressed the hope that David would leave to join her there ‘with our gathered prayers.’  Friends settled into a brief silence in order to hold them both in the Light.

 

I2005-43 Presiding Clerk of BYM.  Lauri Permanspoke of a recurring message which she had received over the past year of her service as Presiding Clerk:  “Rest more.  Rest in the Spirit more.” 

 

Dear Friends,

           

Greetings to all in the Spirit.  It is so wonderful to see you here.  June is a month with graduations (we had one in my family), weddings, and family reunions (I’m flying to one this evening).  Many of you had to make choices to be here and I’m so glad you made this choice. 

 

This session is an important way for us to prepare for the community and work of annual sessions and I am grateful to all who labored here this morning in committee meetings and for the work we will do here this afternoon.

 

In April, I attended a yearly meeting clerks’ retreat sponsored by the FGC Ministry and Spiritual Nurture Committee.  I was impressed with the variety of solutions that Yearly Meetings have found to the question of how to organize and prepare for business sessions. 

 

This strengthened me in my resolve to make changes in the agenda and the structure of this year’s business sessions.  In April, I met with Ministry and Pastoral Care to season some of the proposed changes and Lamar Matthew, immediate past presiding clerk, is providing guidance and support in this process.  I imagine some of the changes we’ll try this year will prove useful and will be retained and others we will discard.  My overall goal is to create space for the Spirit to blow freely through our business sessions so that we might more clearly hear the Voice of God.  I will be asking committee clerks to shorten their reports and providing guidelines on how to do so.  In addition, not all Quaker agencies will be asked to speak this year.  In turn, we will have time to focus on queries about how we are called to witness for peace, on the spiritual state of the yearly meeting and our monthly meetings, and on the challenges posed by sexual offenders attending our monthly meetings.  I invite your comments and ask for your prayers for our time together this summer.

 

Another advantage of attending the clerks’ retreat was talking with the other clerks about items of common interest.  I learned there that Southeastern Yearly Meeting (SEYM) had within the previous few weeks approved a letter to FUM.  SEYM, which had not been sending a representative to GB meetings, has appointed someone to attend carrying our concern.  I learned also that Canadian Yearly Meeting (CYM) shares the concern.  In the handouts available today, you will find materials from SEYM, CYM, and a letter from a New England Yearly Meeting Friend who is part of their Triennial delegation.  We will also be able to draw from the work of SEYM’s and CYM’s sexual abuse prevention policies when creating our own youth safety policy.

 

I am still in the process of recruiting leadership for the yearly meeting’s ad hoc youth safety policy.  A Friend is currently discerning whether she is called to serve as clerk.  It is still my hope that a draft policy can be circulated to the interested committees for comment and feedback during Yearly Meeting sessions.  Michael Cronin has greatly expedited this process by assembling existing policies from other Quaker bodies such as AFSC, FCNL, and Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.  Our Yearly Meeting need not start from scratch and Michael has offered to serve as a staff person to assist our ad hoc committee with its work.

 

Challenging work continues for the five-person clearness and support committee appointed for the adult who has been told not to be present at Yearly Meeting programs where children and youth are present.  Our committee met with the adult’s monthly meeting support committee.  More recently, during sixth month meeting for worship for business, the member’s monthly meeting approved a minute, forwarded to Frank Massey and to me, uniting in support of their member, charging a breach in Quaker process, and requesting that the adult be reinstated immediately or told what to do to be reinstated.  Despite this request from the monthly meeting, the clearness and support committee believes that the Yearly Meeting’s principal concern is for safety of our children and youth and that, as previously reported, we affirm the decision of the original discernment committee that this adult not be present at Yearly Meeting programs where children and youth are present.  The clearness and support committee will be meeting later this month with the Yearly Meeting attorney to discuss what information can be shared with the adult’s monthly meeting to help the monthly meeting understand the reasons for the decision.  Again, I ask for your continued prayers for all affected by this difficult situation:  the adult, the adult’s support committee and monthly meeting, the Young Friends community, members of the Youth Programs committee and the Yearly Meeting staff, and for the five of us who serve on the clearness and support committee:  Michael Cronin, Don Gann, Lamar Matthew, Riley Robinson, and me.

 

In conclusion, when I read in Quaker Life recently that the FUM GB/Africa section this spring affirmed the FUM GB/Richmond’s fall minute supporting BYM’s intervisitation program, I was profoundly moved by the witness we in BYM are making and the effect it is having on the larger Quaker world.  I am so glad to be part of the loving community that is BYM and grateful for the dedicated efforts of Friends to strengthen the Yearly Meeting and the bonds of love between our Yearly Meeting and other Yearly Meetings.  I am grateful too to have been part of the wonderful process of four committees meeting jointly together in January, February, March, and May, and the careful listening to each other and to the Spirit that took place in those meetings.  I am happy to say that in May members of the four committees united in support of a minute that will come before you later today.  Thank you, Friends, for this opportunity to serve the Yearly Meeting.

 

In addition to her prepared report, Lauri spoke of the need to hold each other up in prayer for our important work and witness within FUM for equal rights for GLBTQ persons.  She spoke of a moving conversation with an FUM lesbian who had thanked her for this witness, and who had asked for our prayers.

 

I2005-44  Report of the General Secretary: Frank Massey spoke of the following:

a.       the many copies of the Advance Reports on the front benches, asking Friends to take some back to the Monthly Meetings. 

b.       The Yearly Meeting’s continuing increase in membership. 

c.       The hope that many would register for attending Annual Sessions soon.  One may call the office for a registration form, or may print from the website.  For first time attenders, BYM is again offering the ‘deal’ of 2 nights free for three people per Meeting.  The website also has an expanded list of workshops, including – Strategic Peace Witness Today, led by  Chuck Fager,;  Clerking: Engaging Mercy and Justice , led by  Peggy Dyson-Cobb; and Retaliate with Blessings: exploring becoming servants of peace without falling prey to …burnout…, bitterness…, burden… and other perils, led by Tom Fox.

d.       The shock that Friends may have felt by the recent dramatic increases in insurance fees.  Frank and the BYM staff are working with the insurance company to attempt to limit such increases.

e.       As of 6/18/2005, BYM is an employer of 120 staff – the summer camping season has begun.  They are expecting 500-600 campers for the summer sessions, which begin for campers 6/26.

f.        The Shalom Center is planning a program “God’s October Surprise”, considering the implications of this month of 2005 holding several important holidays for several world-wide religious communities: Ramadan, Jewish High Holy Days, St. Francis’ feast day, and Gandhi’s birthday.  It would be good for Friends to consider our own peace witness, and how to work with other faith traditions for peace.  Frank will post additional information on the website, and will send to Monthly Meeting newsletter editors.   www.tentofabraham.orgThe Tent of Abraham,Hagar, & Sarah is a gathering of Jews, Christians, and Muslims who have been building a 'Tent' of shared spiritual concern for peace, justice, and healing of the earth. Arising from this effort has been a call to take part in “God’s October Surprise.” 

This Call has been endorsed by the National Council of Churches; the Islamic Society of North America; Pax Christi; The Shalom Center; the Jewish Committee for Isaiah's Vision (see note 3 below); ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal and its rabbinic body, Ohalah; the Disciples Justice Action Network; the Northwest Interfaith Movement (Philadelphia) and many others.

I2005-45  Naming Committee: Michael Cronin reported for the committee, the proposed members of the Naming Committee, whose task will be to bring forward names for Search Committee members.  The appointment of Mike Jeffrey, of Richmond Meeting, and Barbara Thomas, of Annapolis Meeting was approvedby Friends.

 

I2005-46  Travel Minutes: Rebecca Richards of Gunpowder Meeting readtwo minutes for traveling Friends: one for Rachel Stacy, and one for Laura Nell Obaugh [below]

 

FROM: Gunpowder Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society Friends

Baltimore Yearly Meeting

 

Twelfth Month 2004

 

Rachel Stacy, a member in good standing of our Monthly Meeting, has been called to travel among Young Friends from across the United States and around the World. She has a leading to work for greater understanding among Young Friends in the expectation that we can achieve a deeper appreciation of what calls all of us-regardless of our monthly or yearly meeting affiliation-to loving service as Quakers today.

 

Rachel’s involvement in the planning activities for the 2005 World Gathering of Friends is well known to all of us. We prayerfully support her leading to these activities and in her travels to the Gathering in Eighth Month 2005. Upon her safe return, we look forward to hearing of her experiences and to discerning how we can further support her in this important ministry.

 

In her travels, we entrust her to the care of those Meetings and individuals-Friends young and old-who will be supporting her in this ministry. She carries with her our greetings and love to all whom she meets on her travels.

 

LouAnne Smith, Clerk of Gunpowder Meeting

 

Friends approved endorsing this travel minute, and Clerk Michael Cronin added his signature to on behalf of Interim Meeting.

 

TO: Britain Yearly Meeting

 

Dear Friends,

 

Laura Nell Obaugh, beloved member of Baltimore Yearly Meeting, has made the difficult decision to miss our Annual Sessions this year in order to attend Britain Yearly Meeting, which meets at the same time.

 

Laura Nell is a member of Baltimore Yearly Meeting’s Ministry and Pastoral Care Committee, which has been assisting several of our monthly meetings that are challenged by the presence of sexual offenders. She brings with her our Yearly Meeting’s concern to learn how sexual offenders are responded to and sexual abuse prevented within Britain Yearly Meeting. Laura Nell has a long-standing concern for strengthening relationships within the family of Friends and has recently served on the Board of Friends House, Moscow.

 

Laura Nell's late husband, Felix Wedgwood-Oppenheim, a member of Warwickshire Monthly Meeting, was a gift to Baltimore Yearly Meeting in his short time with us. Laura Nell's loss is our loss too. We commend Laura Nell to your loving care and know that her presence among you will be healing for her as she continues to grieve Felix's death. We send you our loving greetings and pray that you will be refreshed by the Spirit in your time together.

 

Friends approved this travel minute, and Yearly Meeting Clerk Lauri Perman signed on behalf of the Yearly Meeting.

 

I2005-47  Manual of Procedure Committee:  Howard Fullerton presented the proposals from the Committee:

a.       to change the wording in the section on Camp Property Management to reflect the existence of a Camp Property Manager, who serves on that committee.

 

Camp Property Management Committee

The Camp Property Management Committee consists of six members nominated by the Nominating Committee and appointed by the Yearly Meeting. In addition, either the clerk or another member of the Trustees, Camping Program Committee and Stewardship and Finance Committee, and the Camp Property Manager are ex officio members. The Committee may appoint subcommittees as needed, which may include members from outside the Committee.  The 'Committee will normally meet at least twice a year.

 

The Committee is responsible for the maintenance and operation a governing committee that oversees the management of the present and any future properties of the Yearly Meeting useds for Camping Programs, Retreats, and other similar activities.  It may also manage any properties which the Yearly Meeting may lease for the above purposes.   The Committee’s purpose is threefold: to plan ahead for the long term needs of the camp properties; to oversee the content and direction of the Camp Property Manager’s work; and to support the Camp Property Manager with specific projects as needed.  While the committee has full authority to carry out its tasks, the fiduciary responsibility for the Yearly Meeting Properties rests with the Trustees.

 

The Committee will manage the camp properties as one financial entity and will prepare operating and capital budgets which will be listed separately within the Yearly Meeting budget.  For this purpose,   appropriate accounts will be established, including a capital reserve account. The Committee will be responsible for setting the fees for the use of the properties. All income generated by the camp properties, including timber sales, will be available for the operation and development of the camp properties. Gifts and bequests may be received into the Committee's accounts.  Financial statements will be prepared annually at the same time as the Yearly Meeting accounts, of which they will form a part.

 

Friends approvedthese changes.

 

b.       Ethel Reynolds Fund: A second reading of the proposal for these monies was considered by Friends after a review by Howard of the thoughts and actions leading up to the proposal.  He highlighted some minor changes in the text from that submitted in Fourth Month for greater clarity:

 

The Ethel Reynolds Fund evolved through decisions made by Interim Meeting to make grants from the unrestricted bequest of Ethel Reynolds, a member of Nottingham Meeting who died in 1976. When the bequest was made known, Friends wanted to use the bequest in a way that did not “fritter” the funds away; they also wanted to use the money in a manner consistent with Ethel Reynolds’ interests. The money was placed in a fund (restricted by the Yearly Meeting) and a committee was established that included a members of Nottingham Monthly Meeting.

 

The goal to not fritter the funds has been wildly successful; the original bequest of $62,000 was $83,000 at the end of 2003. It has been so long since Ethel Reynolds died that few people in Nottingham Meeting remember her. She asked that we spend the bequest; the Yearly Meeting policy (Faith and Practice, Appendix I) requires that we spend the bequest; and the Internal Revenue Service State Attorneys General expect that we spend the bequest.

 

The Manual of Procedure Committee recommends that the Yearly Meeting lay down the Ethel Reynolds Fund Committee and that the funds be allocated among three four committees and our youth program, 30 percent each for the camping Program Committee and youth programs and 20 percent each for Religious Education and Advancement and Outreach Committees.

 

We recommend that Interim Meeting ask that these committees and programs develop a plan in coordination with the Stewardship and Finance Committee to spend these funds over the next three to five years. Finally, we recommend that any funds unspent unallocated on December 31, 2010 be put in unrestricted reserves.

 

With the deletion of the sentence “It has been … remember her,” ,substitution of the phrase “Those who knew Ethel Reynolds agree this would have been agreeable to her,” at the end of the document, additions of the listing of Camping Program Committee and Camp Property Committee to the sentence including the phrase “camping and youth programs”, and an expression of BYM’s appreciation for this gift, Friends approved the proposal.  Howard will make the suggested changes, and forward the document to the Yearly Meeting office.

 

I2005-48   Youth Programs Secretary:  Hope Braveheart reported on the progress of planning for the Ramallah Workcamp Project. 

 

There is an Advisory Group to help flesh out the plans for the project, slated for 7/9-23/06:

• Max Carter, Guilford College
• Maia Carter Halward, PhD candidate currently living at the Ramallah Friends Lower School
• Tom Fox, Christian Peacemaker Teams, Baghdad
• Salim Zaru, son of Jean Zaru, long-time Clerk of Ramallah Friends Meeting
• Elizabeth Early, Sandy Spring Meeting, high school freshman who has lived in several Arab countries
• Lamar Matthew, Baltimore, Stony Run Meeting

 

The Advisory Group is working on an application process, and three Young Friends have expressed interest, and asked for application forms, as has an Adult Young Friend.

 

Hope asked Friends to approve the Ramallah Project’s forward movement under the care of the Yearly Meeting.  The Youth Programs Committee has approved this program.

 

After an assurance of the BYM’s shared fiscal responsibility with participant fundraising and potential use of the Ethel Reynolds Fund allocation, Friends approvedhaving the Ramallah Workcamp Project proceed under the care of the Meeting.

 

I2005-49  Long Range Property Committee: Sheila Bach presented the nine recommendations of this committee, which had been first brought to IM in 10/04. 

Long Range Property Planning Committee Recommendations

to Fall Interim Meeting, 30 Tenth month 2004

At the Yearly Meeting sessions in July 2004, nine recommendations from the Long Range Property Planning Committee were brought forth in their report. The Committee was asked to make recommendations to the fall Interim Meeting as to which committee each of the recommendations should be sent. Our findings follow.

Camp Property Management Committee

1)       Camp Property Management needs to do some marketing to better utilize our three current camp properties. Staff needs to be involved in this.

2)   A long-term lease agreement needs to be negotiated for Opequon Quaker Camp. Staff needs to be involved in this.

3)   An area for a playing field at Opequon Quaker Camp needs to be negotiated with either the land owner or the adjacent landowner. Staff needs to be involved in this also­

4)   A feasibility study to winterize either Catoctin Quaker Camp or Shiloh Quaker Camp. Yearly Meeting in session needs to make this final decision as it would be a capital improvement.

 

Camping Program Committee:

1)   A need to expand our teen adventure programs which would require finding another location for their base camp.

 

Ministry & Pastoral Care Committee:

1)  A better survey of what the adults within the Yearly Meeting want.

 

Supervisory Committee:

1)      Expanding our current office space.

2)      Look at possible housing for office staff, possibly some cooperative housing with Sandy Spring Friends School and Friends House Retirement Community staff. Trustees need to be involved in this.

 

Interim Meeting/Yearly Meeting in session:

1)      Set up a new standing committee to work on these recommendations and continue to make sure the properties owned and rented by this yearly meeting continue to serve the needs of all our people. Nominating Committee needs to be involved in this.

 

After some discussion, at the recommendation of Frank Massey, Friends approved adopting paragraphs one, two and four. Paragraphs three and five will be held for further consideration of changes proposed by Friends in attendance.

             

I2005-50 Report of the Joint Meetings of Four Committees regarding BYM budget contributions to FUM:  Clerk Lauri Perman had clerked several meetings of the four committees charged at Interim Meeting 10/04 to reach unity on the disposition of BYM financial contributions for FY 2004 and FY 2005.  She reported with pleasure that unity had been reached by the committees at their 5^th month meeting.

 

As background, Lauri asked Rebecca Rawls, Reading Clerk for the day to read portions of the Minutes, Epistles, and letters collected on the issue since the last sitting of Interim Meeting:

 

Southeastern Yearly Meeting Epistle 2005

3/27/2005

 

To All Friends Worldwide,

The 43rd Annual Session of Southeastern Yearly Meeting was held during the third

month of 2005, 23-27, at the Florida United Methodist Life Enrichment Center, Leesburg,

FL.

 

“Living in the World as Quakers” was our centering focus for this week, which began

when Linda Chidsey spoke on “Walking in the Light”, followed the next morning by her

workshop, “Letting our Lives Speak”. As Linda raised topics such as redemption, corporate

identity and, walking in a manner which “takes away all occasions for war”, we gathered

together in joyous expectation of workshops, meetings and activities—all planned to help

Friends to be “active followers and not just believers”.

 

Each morning began with early worship near the quiet eastern shore of Lake Griffin.

After a community breakfast, worship sharing in small groups provided opportunities for

spiritual dialogue among Friends.

 

Meeting for Worship for Business was gentle and fruitful, where diligence and care of

individual Friends serving on committees was demonstrated and approved. The Marriage

and Commitment section of Faith and Practice, as amended, was approved.

 

An important focus of our work this week was a threshing session to take up the deep

concern expressed by letter from St. Petersburg Meeting “regarding Friends United

Meeting (FUM) minute 88-GB-52, which supports a personnel policy that is discriminatory

towards Gays and Lesbians.”

 

The following three queries helped to define the issues:

#1. What does it mean to be affiliated with FUM?

#2. What has been the real level of our activity as members of FUM?

#3. Are we viable members of FUM or members in name only?

 

The discussion which followed caused us to examine the nature of our relationship with

FUM and how best to speak truth to the injustice which we find inherent in FUM’s personnel policy. We were blessed by the presence of Ben Richmond, a staff member of FUM, who spoke clearly, providing his perspective on this matter. The session came to a close and, as noted by our clerk, a “sweet, sweet spirit” filled the room. As silent worship ended, thunderheads rumbled loudly overhead.

 

The issue of SEYM’s relationship to FUM was carried over to the 7th day Plenary Session.

As rain poured outside and a tornado watch was posted, the concerns and leadings of many

Friends were expressed. Theological Issue or Human Rights Struggle? Friends labored together seeking a clear place to stand. As the thunder subsided and the rain ceased, the following minute was approved:

 

05YM18 SEYM requests that Eduardo Diaz, Clara Diaz, Cathy Gaskill, and Jan Dahm prepare a letter to be sent to Friends United Meeting (FUM). The letter will be presented to YM before the end of the current business sessions. SEYM also requests its constituent

Monthly Meetings to consider prayerfully whether the SEYM should continue its relationship with FUM.

 

Southeastern Yearly Meeting letter to Friends United Meeting

To all Friends in Friends United Meeting:

 

Greetings we offer in the Spirit of the Eternal Christ revealed to us in the Fourth Gospel.  Some refer to this book as “The Quaker Gospel” and we find comfort in leadings that emerge from its study.

 

Southeastern Yearly Meeting acknowledges the challenges faced by Friends United Meeting General Board as it discerns policy, given the diversity of the affiliated Yearly Meetings.  We also admonish ourselves for neglecting to fulfill our responsibility to be in full relationship, given the absence of Southeastern Yearly Meeting representatives in many of your meetings.

 

It is wish a deep sense of mission that we offer you our testimony of peace with justice.  We request that you worshipfully hear our concern regarding the Friends United Meeting Personnel Policy (Minute 88-GB-52), which limits leadership service to certain heterosexuals or celibate homosexuals.

 

We encourage you to consider the clear contradiction concerning civil and sexual rights in the above-referenced document as specified in Part “A” versus Parts “B” & “C.”  We, the members of Southeastern Yearly Meeting, affirm that the Light, which guides us, does so across all domains, not splitting into two disparate beams for secular and sacred arenas.  We hold that our beliefs, to be wholly true for us, must apply at all times in all realms, in every conscious and unconscious corner of our being and our behavior.

 

We are led by “The Comforter” as we seek your understanding and responsible social action.  Guided by John 16:12, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now,” we recognize that not all affiliated Yearly Meetings are prepared to accept the following revelation of the Holy Spirit:

 

“There is that of God in everyone and instruments of God include diverse Friends, some of whom are subject to ongoing oppressive prejudice and discriminatory personnel practices, as a consequence of being gay, lesbian or heterosexual that does not limit sexual activity to that within traditional marriage.”

 

We are united with Friends United Meeting in obedience to the mandate of John 15:12, “This is my commandment, that yet love one another, as I have loved you.”

 

We offer our love as you struggle with how best to respond to this concern, shared by many at Baltimore Yearly Meeting, New England Yearly Meeting, and many other Friends’ organizations.  We are committed to witness peace with justice and pray that members of Friends United Meeting will find a way open to change its personnel policy to be inclusive of all Friends that have demonstrated spiritual gifts.

 

In Christ,

Southeastern Yearly Meeting in Annual Sessions March 2005

 

Canadian Yearly Meeting letter to Friends United Meeting

Canadian Yearly Meeting

 

Attn: Retha McCutchen, General Secretary

Dear Friends,

 

The policy of Friends United Meeting with regard to issues of sexuality in the appointment of staff and volunteers was brought to our attention by Baltimore Yearly Meeting and also by concerned Friends within our own yearly meeting. We are not in unity with this policy. Our Yearly Meeting has minuted a very clear policy in support of same-sex marriages and understands that such marriages are as much a leading of the Spirit as for heterosexual couples. We also understand and support those couples who are living within a committed relationship but who do not wish to marry.

 

As a member of Friends United Meeting we are troubled by policies that do not reflect this understanding of God's leading. We are very aware that if such a policy was accepted by our Yearly Meeting there are many Friends currently serving who would be excluded from service. We value the contributions of all Friends equally and do not place conditions on service other than that there be a true leading of the Spirit.

 

We are committed to our affiliation with FUM. We are concerned that this historic relationship is being damaged by a policy of discrimination that is unacceptable to us.

 

We agree with the statement that your General Board has made to Baltimore Yearly Meeting: "We are committed to listening deeply together, to sharing openly together and waiting together until such time as way opens to move us forward in community."  We need to find a practical way to exercise this commitment. We hope that members of the FUM General Board can work with members of those Yearly Meetings who are similarly troubled by this policy. We are convinced that the Spirit that guides us all will bring us to unity on this matter before too long.

 

In Friendship,

Rick McCutcheon Presiding Clerk

cc: Signy Fridriksson

Keith Maddock

Baltimore YM

Friends General Conference

 

Letter to the editor in Quaker Life from Margaret Hart Director, Beacon Hill Friends House to FUM, and a GB/FUM commentary from Retha McCutcheon

E-mail letter to Quaker Life

March 5, 2005 Dear Friends,

It is only a little over four months before we gather together in Des Moines for the Triennial I am excited to be participating as a representative of New England Yearly Meeting in my first FUM Triennial. Since my convincement 31 years ago, my life has been beautifully guided by the Spirit and enriched beyond measure by my association with Friends. Over the last 30 years I have been led to serve as clerk of my meeting, clerk of Worship and Ministry, recording clerk of Membership Care (formally Overseers), and member of Pastoral Care committee.

 

Friends, as I prepare to join you at theTriennial I am deeply troubled that much of what I have been called to do would not have been possible in the FUM context because I am a lesbian.

 

As we gather together, can we be open to the power of theSpirit and led in dis­cernment and continuing revelation? Will we each be open to seeing our lives speak of God's power regardless of our differences? Friends, NEYM representatives to the Triennial are being sent to witness to our individual and corporate understanding of the Truth.  Willwe be welcomed and loved as your neighbor?  My prayer for us is that when we leave the Triennial each of us will have experienced that "our faith has been strengthened and recharged by God's presence inour worship, work and fellowship." Friends, we have work to do. Can we “mind the Light"?  Margaret Hart

 

(General Secretary's Note)I first met Margaret Hart at the 2004 F\VCC Triennial in New Zealand. We enjoyed conversation together. Margaret carries a concern about  an FUM hiring policy on sexual ethics that sets a standard for staff to confine sexual intimacy to marriage, defined as between" one man and one woman."   She expresses a concern that is not hers alone.

 

The FUM General Board, both inthe U.S.A. and Africa, have heard this concern and spent time in prayer and sharing during the past triennium After much prayer and discussion, the follow­ing minute was written by the Executive Committee and approved by the General Board/Richmond in October 2004 and affirmed by the General Board/Africa in March 2005:

 

Friends United Meeting is no more and no less than its constituent yearly meetings worldwide. As members of the General Board, we work diligently to hear all of our constituents and we take seriously all of the voices we hear. We take seriously the messages from Baltimore Yearly Meeting and we value its rep­resentatives to the FUM General Board.

 

Because of this (1) we are greatly heartened by Baltimore Yearly Meeting's considerations and movements toward intervisitation between Baltimore Yearly Meeting and other yearly meetings (2) We would encourage all yearly meetings in Friends Unite, Meeting to accept their visits and (3) to reciprocate (4) We en­courage Baltimore Yearly Meeting and all other yearly meetings who become active in intervisitation to inform the Executive Committee through their rep­resentatives.

 

There are many important issues causing concerns among Friends, gen­der issues being one of them.   Because of the seriousness of the issues, including Minute 88-GB-52, we realize that a resolution, if there is one, may be long in coming. It is only through seeking God's will together that we hope to find a place to stand.  We realize the difficulty of cultural, economic, geographic, etc. differences. However, we remind ourselves as the General Board and we remind you, our constituents, that each member yearly meeting in North America, Africa, the Caribbean, as well as the monthly meeting in Ramallah, hears the voice of God.  As Friends we seek to hear the totality of God's word.

 

Again we are greatly encouraged by the movements of God's Spirit in Baltimore Yearly Meeting and hope that intervisitation brings Friends closer to­gether. Appendix P, October 2004

 

I offer an invitation for all Friends attending the Triennial to come inan attitude of worship, and listen as Jesus speaks to us as a corporate body com­prising 28 yearly meetings worldwide  Let us accept and celebrate the diversity among us.

 

The General Board directed discus­sion to be by intervisitation within and between yearly meetings. Let's honor that direction and allow the Holy Spirit to move among us as we speak Christ's love and forgiveness in our world. There­fore, Quaker Life will not be printing additional letters to the editor on this subject at this time as we allow personal conversations and intervisitation to build relationship and understanding.

 

Rebecca then read the prepared Minute for Consideration.

 

 

 

 

Minute for Consideration

                                   

Approved at the Joint Meeting of Advancement and Outreach, the Ad hoc Committee on Gender and Sexual Diversity Concerns, Ministry and Pastoral Care, and Stewardship and Finance, on Fifth Month 14, 2005.  Members present at that time empowered a subcommittee (Aron Teel, Rich Liversidge, and Laura Nell Obaugh), together with the Recording Clerk, to edit the approved minute for flow and clarity.  The subcommittee labored carefully to improve the minute as shown below. 

Baltimore Yearly Meeting has labored long, hard and prayerfully in our search for unity about making financial contributions to Friends United Meeting in light of our disunity with Minute 88-GB-52 of the FUM General Board and its implementation.  This search for unity led us, at our 2004 Annual Sessions, to commit to a program of intervisitation with other Yearly Meetings within FUM to seek further clarity about what God requires of us.  We are gratified that the FUM General Board has supported this intervisitation program in its Minute 04-GB-77. 

 

As we prepare for our next steps, we acknowledge that some of us in BYM proceed with a sense of joy and unfolding opportunity while others are weighted down with a feeling of profound sadness at the wounds inflicted on members of our Yearly Meeting and other Yearly Meetings by these personnel policies and practices.  We are torn between our desire to remain in loving community with all Friends, and our need to witness to our understanding of what the testimonies of equality and integrity require. 

 

We now affirm that we in Baltimore Yearly Meeting feel led by God to make our customary contribution of $17,400 to Friends United Meeting for the 2005 budget year as a Restricted Contribution.  We ask that these funds be used solely to fund a new FUM program of yearly meeting intervisitation, beginning with the North American Yearly Meetings.  We ask that they not be used for administrative fees or FUM overhead costs, but only for the direct costs of the intervisitation program.

 

Funds contributed by BYM may be used for the travel expenses of Friends among the Yearly Meetings and the costs of one or more conferences related to understanding gender and sexual diversity.  BYM’s contribution may serve as seed money, encouraging other FUM Yearly Meetings to make their own contributions to such an FUM fund.

 

Baltimore Yearly Meeting has already begun a program of intervisitation and is well along in its implementation.  We recognize that FUM's General Board may wish to appoint a committee to assure proper oversight of the intervisitation fund.  We offer FUM our assistance, and ask that FUM include at least one member of BYM in planning the FUM program.

 

We ask that FUM report annually to BYM on how these funds have been used, and what progress is being made in addressing this painful divide among Friends.

 

In response to a question from a Friend on the status of intervisitation, in particular, with respect to a request from a Meeting in North Carolina for a visit, Friends heard a report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Intervisitation.

 

I2005-51 Ad Hoc Committee on Intervisitation   Sharon Stout of Adelphi reported for the committee:

·         An email address for the committee has been established: intervisitation@bym.rsf.org

·         A website is in progress

·         Howard Fullerton and Sharon Stout will hold a workshop on 7/23 at Sandy Spring FM asking those who attended the FUM Triennial to come and to report

·         Ken Stockbridge has talked with the Young Friends about this concern

·         Two BYM Friends will attend Indianan YM this summer

·         Some Friends have expressed the wish to be added to the list of visitors, and some  Meetings have begun to form clearness committees for this concern

·         The committee has received some early requests for funding

·         Joan & Rich Liversidge, Sandy Spring, will lead a couple enrichment workshop at Annual Sessions, along with Samson & Edith Wekesa (East Africa Yearly Meeting), teachers in Kaimosi, Kenya

·         A panel of Friends from programmed meetings will speak of their experience in dealing with Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgendered people in their Meetings as a workshop offering at Annual Sessions.

·         The committee feels that feedback has been built into the intervisitation process

 

I2005-50 resumed

Friends Approved the proposed minute for consideration [above].

 

Clerk Michael Cronin asked if, having approved this minute, Friends were ready to approve sending the remaining funds from the FY 2004 apportionment to be used in the same manner with the same restrictions.  Friends Approvedthis action.

 

At the suggestion of a Friend, Friends also Approved a minute of their thanks to Aron Teel, Rich Liversidge, Laura Nell Obaugh, Deborah Haines, and Lauri Perman for creating this beautifully written document.  Friends also wished to thank all who had served on the ad hoc committee, and who had labored long and hard to achieve unity.

 

At the request of Frank Massey, Friends considered to whom the minute and a cover letter might be sent.  Friends agreed to the prompt distribution of the minute, early in the week of 6/20/05, accompanied by the check and a cover letter addressed to Brent McKinney, Clerk of the General Board of Friends United Meeting, and to Retha McCutchen, Friends United Meeting General Secretary.  Friends Approved.

 

I2005-52  Supervisory Committee: Friends Approvedinsertion into the minutes the posting of the BYM staff salaries.

Office Staff Position	05 Salary	Medical	Disability	Housing
General Secretary	$49,920		Yes	Yes
Youth Secretary	$34,155	Family	Yes
Camp Property Manager	$32,992	Family	Yes
Bookkeeper	$16,250	Single
Secretary	$24,500
Camp Administrative Secretary	$36,253	Single	Yes

 

I2005-53  Peace and Social Concerns:

a.  J.E. McNeill asked on behalf of P & SC if Baltimore Yearly Meeting could approve endorsement of a minute similar to that of Friends Meeting of Washington, in support of the FCNL Congressional STEP Resolution below:

Congressional Iraq STEP Resolution

Sensible Transition to an Enduring Peace

Whereas President George W. Bush stated on April 13, 2004 that “as a proud and independent people, Iraqis do not support an indefinite occupation and neither does America" and that the U.S. will remain in Iraq "as long as necessary and not one day more”;

Whereas Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld assured the Senate Armed Services Committee on February 17,2005, that “we have no intention, at the present time, of putting permanent bases in Iraq”;

 

Whereas the Wall Street Journal reported in February 2005 that 60% of the people in the United States think that the Bush administration should set a public or private timetable for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq;

Whereas former Secretary of State James Baker, former Pentagon official Anthony Cordesman, the International Crisis Group, and other respected leaders and analysts have said that it is critical that the U.S. government declare now its intention to fully withdraw from Iraq;

Whereas political parties opposed to the ongoing U.S. military presence won the overwhelming majority of votes in Iraq's January 2005 election and a clear majority of voters interviewed in exit polls cited their desire to see an end to the military occupation as a major impetus for voting;

Whereas the perception that the U.S. intends to permanently occupy Iraq aids insurgent groups in recruiting supporters and fuels violent activity;

Whereas many insurgent groups have expressed a willingness to engage in political dialogue if the U.S. clearly states its intention to withdraw from Iraq;

Whereas we can best honor the lives and memories of all who have died in Iraq by expediting the end of the war, bringing U.S. troops home as quickly as possible, and supporting the Iraqi people in rebuilding their country;

Whereas a clear statement of intent to fully withdraw U.S. troops and bases does not imply the setting of a particular deadline, time frame, or exit strategy;

Whereas such a statement would send a strong signal to the people of Iraq and the international community that the United States does not have imperial intentions in Iraq and affirms that the Iraqi people will regain through their elected representatives the full exercise of national sovereignty, including control over security and public safety;

Therefore, be it resolved that it is the sense of the Congress that the United States supports the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, the people of Iraq, and the leaders of Iraq’s government;

Be it also resolved that the people of the United States support the Iraqi people’s desire to rebuild Iraq as a fully sovereign, stable, and peaceful democratic country;

To this end, be it resolved that it is the policy of the United States to withdraw all U.S. military troops and bases from Iraq.

Friends Committee on National Legislation, 245 Second Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 http://www.fcnl.org (202) 547-6000 * (800) 630-1330     April 2005

 

Friends Approved a shortened endorsement:

Baltimore Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, in support of the effort initiated by the Friends Committee on National Legislation, calls upon the United States Congress to pass a resolution, such as the attached STEP (Sensible Transition to an Enduring Peace) Resolution that affirms that it is the United States policy to withdraw all U.S. military troops and bases from Iraq while not requiring the publication of a deadline for such a withdrawal.  We urge Monthly Meetings to endorse this resolution.

 

Peace and Social Concerns will send a cover letter to local Monthly Meetings to let them know of Interim Meeting’s endorsement, requesting that they also endorse, send letters to the editor, and let FCNL know what action[s] they have taken.

 

b.   Peace and Social Concerns had received a request from Quaker House in Fayetteville, NC to appoint a board member from BYM.  The committee is now clear to pass this request on to the Nominating Committee.  They will bring this issue to Annual Sessions.  A Friend recommended the committee consider coming with the name of an interested Friend for this position

 

c.  The 60^th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima falls on 8/6/05, the day when P & SC is scheduled to present its report.  The Committee feels led to have worship that evening to mark the event.  Interim Meeting Recommendedto Program Committee that they provide this opportunity.

 

I2005-54 Other items:

·         Michael Cronin expressed thanks to the retiring Recording Clerk, Frances Preston Schutz, and Friends approved the recording of that thanks.

·         Patrick Nugent and Mary KayRehard co-directors of Friends Theological College in Kenya will be at Sandy Spring Meeting 8/8 for worship.

·         Advance Reports are ready for distribution, and are an invaluable aid in preparation for the Annual Session.

·         Friends Meeting of Washington celebrates its 75th anniversary 6/18-19 with a history walk, 6/26 a session with Tom Hand and Deborah Haines on Ties that Bind Us, and in 1/06 the anniversary of the first meeting for worship in the building.

·         The Deer Creek Annual Blueberry Fest will be 7/13 from 10-2; Hartford Friends School will open this September.

 

I2005-54  Closing  Friends heard and approved the minutes as read.  During moments of silent worship, a Friend offered vocal ministry remembering an especially difficult time, and gratitude for the comfort brought by a song: Be Not Afraid, for I am With You Always.  Some Friends offered the ministry of singing part of that song.

 

Friends arose to gather again at Annual Session August 1-7.

 

Michael Cronin, presiding                                                           Frances Preston Schutz, recording