THE Christian group whose faith and activities have been described in Part I is known historically as the Religious Society of Friends and more commonly as Quakers. Local congregations traditionally have been called Friends meetings. The name Friends Church, also, has been adopted by some local and yearly meetings. The choice by early Friends of the term society as a name for the group gives a clear indication of their attitude toward organization. The word meant to them a fellowship, a vitally spiritual body held together by the Holy Spirit operating through each individual without formal creed, ritual, or sacramental observance. The Society of Friends is a democratic fellowship in which there is one Master and no intermediary affecting any individual's relationship to God.
Friends recognize that God has endowed each person with gifts and capacities which may be developed. Each member has the duty and responsibility to use the talents which have been given and cultivated. All members have equal rights and privileges in affairs affecting the meeting and in reaching conclusions as to courses of action. No appointments confer upon any person or group a degree of superior or final authority. Friends recognize no distinction in the rights, privileges, or responsibilities of members based on gender, race, or age.
THE practice of holding meetings for business in the context of worship promotes an awareness of the presence of Christ throughout the meeting. The right conduct of a business meeting, even in routine matters, is important to the spiritual life of all and should be regarded as service for God. The same reverent waiting that characterizes a meeting for worship is expected as Friends seek divine guidance and unity of action in business decisions.
IN keeping with the Quaker ideals of service and the distribution of responsibility, the meeting should not prolong the services of officers and committee members nor give to any person too many appointments. Friends develop the talents of a wide range of members by following a policy of rotation in service.
Where numbers permit, appointment and reappointment should not extend tenure of office beyond six consecutive years. A member may be reappointed to a given service after a term out of office.
THE meeting is composed of resident and nonresident members and consists of the meeting for worship and the meeting for business, including all of the activities and organizations connected with it.
THE meeting for worship is a fellowship of those who find it spiritually enriching to be associated in worship and service and is a united expression of the human longing for vital religious experience.
THE practical application of worship requires organizational structure involving officers and committees, business policies, finances, and the support of private and public ministries. To facilitate these concerns, the membership, constituting the monthly meeting, convenes regularly. If two or more congregations are associated in one monthly meeting, each congregation may have a local or preparative business meeting, subordinate to the monthly meeting, and limited in its authority to purely local matters.
MANY meetings use clearness committees to help members discern the will of God in their lives. A meeting may establish a clearness committee at the request of a member or attender who desires spiritually-sensitive guidance when facing circumstances such as a membership issue, a desire to be married under the care of the meeting, a personal decision, or a family need.
Members or attenders who wish to meet with a clearness committee may make their request to the monthly meeting or to the board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism/Ministry and Counsel, either of which may make the appointments. Those who serve on a clearness committee usually are selected for their ability to ask searching questions, to listen carefully, to devote time and energy in prayer, and to provide support and guidance in a loving and worshipful manner. Because of the broad range of issues which may be considered, each clearness committee will need to decide if its work should remain confidential or if it needs to be reported back to the appointing body
A MONTHLY meeting is duly organized for the transaction of business when it has been established by a superior meeting and has appointed a clerk or clerks to present its business and record its actions. It is a regular organization of one or more congregations and consists of all persons who are recorded upon its list of members. It is charged with the administration of the affairs of the meeting, has authority to receive, transfer, dismiss members, deal with offenders, grant appeals, and to consider and act upon all questions affecting the membership. It holds and administers real estate and other property for the use of the meeting and adopts and carries out measures for the improvement of the spiritual interests of the body. It shall meet monthly for the transaction of business. Each member has the right and obligation to participate in the business and work of the monthly meeting.
SPECIAL meetings of the monthly meeting may be called by either the presiding clerk or the recording clerk upon the request of three members. Notice shall be given at a regular meeting of the congregation at least seven days prior to the date of holding the special meeting. The notice shall name the business to be considered and the persons calling for the special meeting. No business may be considered at a special meeting other than the business for which the meeting was called.
IT is recommended that persons appointed as officers or to standing boards/committees be duly-recorded members of the meeting. The monthly meeting shall appoint a presiding clerk and a recording clerk, except that in a small meeting one clerk may be sufficient. It shall be the duty of the presiding clerk to see that the business is properly presented to the meeting for its consideration, to announce decisions when made, and to sign documents on behalf of the monthly meeting. The recording clerk shall keep accurate minutes showing all matters brought to the attention of the meeting and the actions taken. They shall include a correct record of all matters pertaining to membership such as births, marriages, and deaths. They shall also show members joining by application, transfers of junior members to membership, and transfer of members to and from other meetings and denominations. They shall be kept in permanent form in a minute book after they have been approved by the meeting. The minutes of each meeting must be signed by the clerks and dated correctly. The recording clerk may also act as correspondent for the meeting.
THE monthly meeting shall appoint a treasurer who shall receive and disburse funds as directed by the meeting, keep a regular account of such funds, and submit a complete report of the state of the treasury at the end of the fiscal year. He or she shall be ready to report each month to the monthly meeting if requested.
THE monthly meeting shall appoint persons who shall audit the accounts of the treasurer at least once a year.
THE monthly meeting shall appoint trustees in accordance with the laws of the state in which it is located. They shall be not fewer than three in number nor more than six, unless the laws of the state provide otherwise. They shall be appointed for terms of three years, one-third or other appropriate fraction of their number being appointed each year. They shall have care of the meeting's property. Investment trustees may similarly be appointed to invest and manage assets, whether received by bequest, donation, or otherwise, and administer the same according to the direction of the monthly meeting and any conditions prescribed by the donors. Due care must be exercised by trustees to observe the requirements of the statutes of their respective states in administration of their trust. Where the financial responsibility of the meeting is involved and in other matters, the trustees shall, except in emergencies, act only in accordance with the prior expressed will of the meeting.
ALL officers of the monthly meeting shall be appointed annually. Appointees shall hold their positions until their successors are appointed. Committee members are to be appointed on a three-year cycle.
THE monthly meeting may grant minutes for travel and/or service to members in good standing. When circumstances warrant, it may seek the concurrence of the yearly meeting.
EACH monthly meeting in Western Yearly Meeting shall name one representative for each two hundred members or fraction thereof (total membership) to serve on the Administrative Council of the yearly meeting. It shall also name one alternate for each representative.
It shall be the responsibility of the monthly meeting representatives to attend all meetings of the Administrative Council and the yearly meeting or to notify the alternate to attend.
Other appointments shall be made by each monthly meeting as directed by the yearly meeting.
THE monthly meeting may transmit business that should be laid before the yearly meeting. Other annual reports shall be made as the yearly meeting may direct.
MONTHLY meetings may petition the yearly meeting to promote religious interest for which there is a concern.
THE monthly meeting shall appoint a nominating committee which shall function throughout the year. Care shall be taken that this committee represent all of the interests of the monthly meeting. It shall make nominations for all officers, boards, committees, and representatives as directed by the monthly meeting. It shall consult with the proposed nominee before presenting his or her name to the monthly meeting for appointment. Nominations by the nominating committee shall not abridge the right of any member to suggest additional nominations in the sessions of the monthly meeting.
EACH monthly meeting should appoint boards/committees corresponding to the boards of the yearly meeting. The monthly meeting may appoint other boards/committees as may be needed to accomplish its work.
THE monthly meeting shall appoint a finance board, which shall have charge of the raising of funds and the preparation of a budget for the consideration of the monthly meeting. Careful attention should be given to interest the members and attenders in the service of the meeting and for raising funds for the support of its work. The meeting should encourage voluntary giving and extend to every member an opportunity to make regular and systematic contributions.
EACH board/committee shall submit a complete report at the end of the fiscal year and may report at more frequent intervals on matters of special importance or interest.
THE Queries should be read at least quarterly in monthly meeting, allowing due time for thoughtful consideration.
MINUTE books and records shall be carefully preserved. The depository for all records of Western Yearly Meeting, its area meetings, and monthly meetings is in the archives of the Friends Collection of the Lilly Library at Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana. There, the records will be cataloged, stored in an optimum environment, and available to researchers. Monthly meetings may withdraw records from the Friends Collection for reasonable periods of time for use in monthly meeting historical commemorations or for a resource for writing meeting histories. Monthly meetings are urged to submit their records to the Friends Collection before they are lost or destroyed.
MEMBERS of the meeting and pastors can accomplish their work with greater efficiency through close cooperation and frequent consultation. For this purpose, boards on Christian Ministries and Evangelism (Committees on Ministry and Counsel) shall be established for monthly meetings. Where two or more meetings constitute a monthly meeting, the members of the board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism shall constitute corresponding committees in their own meetings.
THE monthly meeting board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism shall be composed of appointed members of the monthly meeting. Resident ministers shall be subject to appointments on the same basis as other members. Pastors or those serving the meeting in a similar capacity shall be members by virtue of their position in the meeting.
TO coordinate and strengthen the work of the monthly meeting, the board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism may request consultation with the superintendent of the Sunday/First Day school, the chairperson of the boards/committees of the monthly meeting, and other persons as needed.
THE monthly meeting board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism shall hold regular sessions, preferably each month, but not less frequently than once in three months. Special meetings may be called by the clerk on request of three members.
THE nominating committee shall annually propose to the monthly meeting the names of persons who in its judgment possess or may develop the capacities qualifying them to serve on the monthly meeting board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism. If the nominations received are satisfactory, the monthly meeting shall proceed with their appointment. Each monthly meeting board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism should have at least six members, so that an interchange of counsel and guidance will give weight to their conclusions. One-third of the board should be appointed each year. Attention should be given to rotation in office as a means by which other Friends with gifts will be introduced to the board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism.
THE monthly meeting board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism has the general care of the meeting for worship and the spiritual welfare and religious work of the meeting and is to be concerned about the interests of the nonresident and non-attending members of the meeting. It is responsible for the promotion of Christian conduct among the members. The board also is to see that attenders of the meeting and their families are visited. Special care should be given to attenders who are nonmembers and to invite them to join in membership when they are prepared. Watchful care should be given to junior members that they should be nurtured in Christian life, and they should be encouraged to become members as soon as they are ready for membership.
The monthly meeting board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism should invite participation in the meeting for worship by all and encourage any who show a gift in the ministry that it may be cultivated and developed. This body should also seek new opportunities of service for the membership of the meeting.
All matters of policy affecting the meeting for worship, the undertaking of special evangelistic efforts, and programs of work shall be submitted to the board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism for discussion. Recommendations arising out of such discussion are to be submitted to the monthly meeting for consideration and implementation.
MEETINGS desiring the help of pastors shall make such arrangements on the recommendation of the board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism. These arrangements shall be made only after consultation with the yearly meeting superintendent or other persons designated responsible by the yearly meeting for such service. Pastors shall be called or dismissed only by action of the monthly meeting.
IF and when a meeting calls a pastor to serve in its behalf, the meeting shall see that the salary is sufficient to free the pastor for such services and to enable him or her to do his or her work effectively. The salary shall be determined by the board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism in conjunction with the board on Finance and is to be included in the recommendation to the monthly meeting.
MEMORIAL minutes for deceased members may be prepared by the board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism of the monthly meeting to which said members belonged. If approved by the monthly meeting, such memorials shall be entered into its minutes.
THE monthly meeting board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism, as directed by the yearly meeting Board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism, shall annually evaluate the spiritual condition of the monthly meeting. The evaluation shall be forwarded to the monthly meeting for its approval, and then to the yearly meeting Board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism.
PASTORS are usually recorded ministers and are called by meetings to fulfill certain special lines of service and to assume a measure of guidance and direction in the conduct of the affairs of the meeting. They are expected to serve the meeting in the field of the public ministry, although they should always have regard for other ministers in the meeting and for visiting Friends who may come with a message. Consideration should be given by pastors to the value of silent worship and to the need of preserving in every meeting that freedom of expression which is vital to the membership in group worship. Pastors are considered coworkers with the members of the meeting. They should endeavor to bring all the members of the meeting to a sense of their responsibilities in serving individuals and families in special times of need.
SOME meetings employ meeting secretaries instead of pastors. They are not necessarily recorded ministers. Their relation to the boards/committees of the monthly meeting is the same as that of pastors (see below). In the absence of either a pastor or a meeting secretary, the clerk of the meeting may serve in that capacity.
IN the development of a sense of responsibility on the part of the meeting toward the community, pastors should maintain an interest in public affairs and should cooperate with other churches and associations in fostering the welfare of the community.
THE pastor or meeting secretary shall be a member, but not an officer, of the monthly meeting board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism. He or she should present his or her concerns for the consideration of this body, but he or she possesses no more authority over its decisions than other members. All matters of policy affecting the meeting for worship, the undertaking of special evangelistic efforts, and programs of work shall be submitted to the board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism for discussion and recommendation to monthly meeting.
THE pastor or meeting secretary is an ex-officio member of all boards/committees of the monthly meeting and is to assist these bodies in the development of their programs and policies.
INFORMATION received in counseling shall be considered a confidential communication by the pastor or others serving the meeting in a counseling capacity.
There are "Eldering Guidelines for Discernment and Restoration of Recorded Ministers in Western Yearly Meeting." WYM Minutes, 1995, p. 38)
WESTERN Yearly Meeting affirms marriage to be between one man and one woman. Throughout their history as an organization, Friends have provided a form of ceremony in keeping with their idea of the deep religious significance of marriage. The avoidance of undue haste, the emphasis upon the equality of the sexes, the responsibility assumed by the monthly meeting, the thoughtful attention given to the religious, moral, and physical qualifications, and the impressive statement of the marriage vows by the contracting parties are all important features of the Friends' marriage practice. Persons desiring to unite in marriage through the meeting shall (with the aid of Part V: Administrative Forms [p. 67]) proceed as follows:
1. Report Intentions-The parties shall report their intentions to the monthly meeting of which both are members, or to the monthly meeting of their choice if they belong to different meetings. If the proposal is accompanied by certificates, one for each party, signed by two or more members in leadership of said meeting or meetings, to the effect that no obstruction to their proposed marriage appears, the meeting may proceed according to the rules of discipline and the provisions of the laws of the state.
2. Committee Appointed-If such certification is not presented, or if, for other cause, inquiry is deemed desirable, the meeting or meetings shall appoint a committee or committees of two men and two women, who shall make inquiry as to the qualifications of the parties for marriage, such as their clearness from other engagements, the consent of parents or guardians in the case of minors, and suitable provisions for the rights of children by a previous marriage, if there are such. If the parties belong to different meetings, committees shall be appointed in each meeting. Reports may be made to the next regular sessions of the respective monthly meetings or to special sessions and, if the reports are found to be satisfactory, the other monthly meeting shall send its findings to the one in which the marriage is to be held, and the parties will be at liberty to proceed accordingly.
3. If One is Not a Member-If one party is not a member of Friends, certifications, prepared as in paragraph 1, should be presented to the monthly meeting of which the other party is a member; or a committee may be appointed by said meeting which may proceed as in paragraph 2.
4. Nonmembers-A monthly meeting may allow a marriage to be solemnized within the meeting when both individuals are nonmembers. In such a case the meeting shall appoint a committee to proceed as in paragraph 2 or, alternatively, certifications shall be signed by three elders of the monthly meeting to which the application is addressed. If the findings of the committee or the certifications are satisfactory, the proceedings in relation to the proposed marriage shall be in the same manner as if the contracting parties were members of Friends.
5. Oversight of Marriage-After a couple has been liberated to proceed with arrangements for their marriage, a committee of not less than two women and two men shall be appointed by the monthly meeting to attend the marriage and report to the following session of the monthly meeting as to whether it has been properly solemnized.
6. Marriage in Meeting-The marriage shall be solemnized in a regular meeting of the congregation or in a special meeting arranged by the monthly meeting at a time convenient to the contracting parties.
7. Certificate-Following the marriage a certificate shall be signed by the parties, the man first, the woman adopting the name of her husband, if she chooses. It shall then be audibly read by a designated person. At the conclusion of the meeting it shall be signed by others as witnesses.
8. Assistant-The pastor or other minister may assist in the solemnization of a marriage within the meeting, if the couple so desires.
FRIENDS, influenced by the general acceptance of pastoral leadership, recognize the fact that many young people are looking to pastors and other Friends' ministers for guidance in relation to marriage. The meeting should share with the pastor a concern for the happiness and spiritual welfare of those who request to participate in the solemnization of their marriage. It should cooperate in every possible way with the pastor in keeping the marriage procedure harmonious with the ideals of Friends.
SINCE Friends' ministers are recognized by the state as qualified to perform the function of the clergy in the solemnization of marriage, they have equality in performing this service along with the ministers of other churches. They are advised, therefore, to exercise due care to observe all legal requirements as set by the several states, and also to endeavor to make the exchange of marriage vows a matter of the deepest religious import to the contracting parties and to all who are present.
PASTORS are encouraged to conduct classes for young people in which helpful counsel may be given to those contemplating marriage, and to all youth in the matter of choosing their life companions. Personal counsel with individuals and couples is also advised. But in cases where previous consultation has not been possible, pastors are urged to ascertain, as fully as they are able, all circumstances that would concern the qualifications of the contracting parties for marriage and to satisfy themselves that all legal and moral requirements have been observed.
Pastors and other ministers are encouraged to plan a marriage service in keeping with the ideals of Friends. In recognition of the importance of pastoral leadership in ever-widening areas and the prevalence of pastoral service in connection with marriage, a ceremony is provided for the help it may give to those who feel the need for such guidance. (See Part V: Administrative Forms [p. 67])
FRIENDS receive into membership those whose faith in Jesus Christ as a personal Savior is manifest in their lives, who seek an inward experience of Christ- the Light which lights every person that comes into the world-and who are in unity with the teachings of Christian truth as held by Friends.
REQUESTS for membership shall be made in writing to the monthly meeting board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism and, if approved by that body, forwarded to the monthly meeting for final action. Special application forms may be provided by the monthly meeting, if desired. It shall be the duty of the monthly meeting board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism to instruct and guide applicants for membership in their search for truth, to ascertain whether the applicant makes a sincere profession of faith in Jesus Christ and accepts the principles of Christianity as held by Friends, and whether he or she will share in the financial obligations of the meeting. It shall advise the applicant that regularity in attendance and faithfulness in service are privileges and obligations of membership. After receiving the report of the board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism, the monthly meeting shall act upon the application for membership.
THE clerk shall inform the applicant of the action of the monthly meeting. If it has been favorable, a committee may be appointed to welcome him or her into membership. Announcement of his or her reception may be made at the regular meeting for worship when all members may have an opportunity to extend a welcome.
THE children of members are enrolled at birth as junior members. Where but one parent is a member, the children may be enrolled as junior members upon the request of that parent and the consent of the other. Requests for membership shall be made in writing to the monthly meeting board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism and, if approved by that body, forwarded to the monthly meeting for final action. Children of nonmembers may be received as junior members upon request following the above procedure. Families, when applying for membership or when transferring from another denomination, may make application for the enrollment of minor children as junior members.
CHILDREN enrolled as junior members shall be transferred to membership when they shall have given satisfactory evidence of faith in Jesus Christ, have accepted the principles of Christian truth as held by Friends, and have requested transfer to membership. The enrollment of children as junior members is an expression of the conviction that children born into this fellowship rightfully possess a precious heritage. Children and youth have a special claim upon the church and it should earnestly seek their spiritual well-being and development. Friends thus express the belief that-by proper encouragement and guidance on the part of parents, teachers, and ministers-their children and youth may be led to a voluntary acceptance of the relationship with Jesus Christ which is set forth in this Faith and Practice.
Junior membership is not intended for adults. The transfer of status from junior member to full member is not an automatic one. It is based upon the application of a junior member to the monthly meeting to become a full active member. Meetings should exercise tender care to present the opportunity for application to all junior members.
RESIDENT members are those members of a meeting whose residence is near enough to the geographical vicinity of the meetinghouse to allow them to be present regularly for participation in the worship, business, work, and fellowship of the meeting.
NONRESIDENT members are those members of a meeting whose residence is beyond the meeting's geographical "limits" or vicinity, such that the distance from the meetinghouse makes impractical their regular participation in the worship, business, work, and fellowship of the meeting.
MONTHLY meetings may, at their discretion, accept, as affiliates, students and other persons residing temporarily within their limits. Such affiliation constitutes a sojourning fellowship and is not to be included in statistical reports. While such persons may be granted the standing of affiliates during their sojourning relationship within a meeting, they are not in the same status as members. They are not considered members of the area meeting or of the yearly meeting, nor have they the right to participate in the business of these bodies or in monthly meeting business matters relating to these superior meetings. The affiliation automatically ceases when the affiliate leaves the limits of the meeting.
MEMBERS moving to the limits of another monthly meeting should request the transfer of their membership to that meeting. The monthly meeting shall issue certificates for transferring members, if requested. Such certificates shall be referred to the board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism of the monthly meeting to which they are addressed prior to action by that monthly meeting. The monthly meeting shall accept such certificates unless sufficient reason shall appear to the contrary. In every case, the monthly meeting receiving a certificate shall inform the meeting which issued it of the action taken thereon. A certificate of membership shall be issued only to a monthly meeting and shall be sent to the clerk thereof. Certificates for recorded ministers shall state that they are recorded ministers.
IF a member wishes to unite with some other denomination, the monthly meeting may grant him or her a letter of recommendation. Upon official acknowledgment of its receipt, his or her membership with Friends shall cease.
WHEN an applicant for membership brings a letter of recommendation from another denomination, it shall be referred to the board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism for consideration and recommendation.
THE acceptance and issuance of all certificates and letters shall be recorded in the minutes of the monthly meeting, and the list of members shall be changed accordingly. Removal certificates for recorded ministers shall include a statement to the effect that they are recorded ministers.
RESIGNATION of membership shall be made to the monthly meeting in writing. The monthly meeting may exercise its discretion in considering a resignation.
WHEN any member shall have united with another denomination without having requested a letter of recommendation, the monthly meeting, upon receipt of such information, shall remove his or her name from the list of members and inform him or her of its action.
A MEMBER moving from the limits of his or her monthly meeting should correspond with his or her meeting and contribute to its support. Monthly meetings should correspond with absent members. If no information has been, or can be, received from a member for a period of three years, his or her monthly meeting, at its discretion, may remove his or her name from its list of members. When any member habitually neglects attendance at his or her meeting, fails to contribute to its support, and is generally inactive in the work of Friends, the monthly meeting, after due consideration and notification, may remove his or her name from its list of members.
IF a junior member, after reaching legal age, shows no interest in becoming a member, he or she should, upon recommendation of the board on Christian ministries and evangelism, be dropped from the records.
AMONG the gospel precepts, we find nothing more strongly and frequently recommended to believers by our Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles than that they should love one another. Nothing will contribute more to the peace and prosperity of the church than a due regard for this advice. We, therefore, earnestly desire that it may be the care and concern of all Friends everywhere to dwell in this love, and in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to maintain love, concord, and peace in and among all the churches of Christ.
FRIENDS should continually be sensitive to and recognize differences within the meeting and should deal with them before they grow to major proportions. On occasion, the love, concord, and peace may become disturbed, and there may arise a serious complaint against a member or disputes may arise between members. A complaint in such case shall be presented to the monthly meeting by the board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism. The monthly meeting shall appoint a committee of not fewer than three members to confer with those involved. It shall, in a spirit of love and tenderness, labor that all concerned may become one in the fellowship of the meeting.
If the exercise of due care and loving forbearance shall be of no avail, the monthly meeting shall, on recommendation by the board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism, consider appropriate action against the member(s). Such action may include removal from positions of responsibility or disownment. The monthly meeting shall inform the member(s) against whom the complaint has been brought in writing of the proposed action and the specific complaint.
The member(s) shall have the opportunity for a hearing before the monthly meeting at its next regularly-scheduled meeting, not less than three weeks from notification, before final action is taken by the monthly meeting.
If the decision of the monthly meeting is to proceed with the proposed action, it shall execute a minute of discipline and furnish the member with a copy of the same. If disownment is the action, the minute shall be a minute of disownment, and the membership records shall be changed accordingly.
WHEN a member is dissatisfied with the action of a monthly meeting, he or she may, within two months, file an appeal to the yearly meeting for a review. When such an action is reviewed by the yearly meeting, the monthly meeting from which the appeal is made shall certify to the yearly meeting a copy of its minutes regarding the matter appealed and be represented by a committee of three. The person(s) against whom the complaint has been made shall have the opportunity to be present. The decision of the yearly meeting shall be final.
(See information under Establishment of Meetings in the Yearly Meeting section
THE purpose of an area meeting is to provide support for its constituent monthly meetings as designated by the yearly meeting. The area meeting serves as coordinator of joint endeavors of the monthly meetings in the Area.
The area is to gather as Area Council to conduct business. Each area is also encouraged to have all-area gatherings for the purpose of fellowship, worship, service, receiving information about Friends' work, leadership, or youth ministry.
The area is charged with being a resource and elder for the monthly meetings in its area. This is the ministry of mutual care which encourages churches communicating, supporting, and nourishing one another. Specifically, the area is asked to be responsible for:
THE area meeting is subordinate to the yearly meeting. In order to modify the structure of an area meeting, application shall be made by the monthly meetings concerned through their area meeting to the yearly meeting for consideration and action.
Each area is asked to convene its Area Council annually.
The area will be organized by the Area Council. The Area Council will be composed of the Clerk, Christian Ministries and Evangelism (Ministry and Counsel) Clerk, and Pastor or Meeting Secretary of each constituent monthly meeting (or an appointed representative for a position) and the Area Representative to the Executive Committee. The meeting is open to other members of monthly meetings in the Area. One representative from the wider yearly meeting designated by the Executive Committee will meet with the Council in an advisory capacity.
The Area Representative to the Executive Committee will act as the Assistant Clerk and assist in the effort to see that the Area Council is convened in the spring and that responsibilities (as listed above) are addressed. They shall contact the Area Clerk at the beginning of the year to confirm the date of the Area Council, to develop the agenda, and to assure that notice is sent.
The Area Council will appoint its next meeting and next Clerk (Recording Clerk and Treasurer, if needed) and report these to the yearly meeting office by April 30.
The Executive Committee will insure that a convener is in place for each area and that each area convenes regularly.
THE Clerk of the Area Council shall be appointed at the spring Area Council meeting. The Clerk will begin the term at the rise of that spring Area Council meeting. The Clerk of the Area Council and the Area Representative to the Executive Committee shall see that:
The Clerk of the Area Council shall:
The Area Representative to the Executive Committee shall participate in the Area Council, reporting its meeting(s) to the Executive Committee at its June meeting. He or she is asked to communicate planned gatherings and to detail ways the yearly meeting might extend care and support to specific monthly meetings.
Areas are encouraged to be creative as to the opportunities afforded by being in a community of mutual care. Possible ways to exercise mutual care may include mission projects, fundraising, social concerns, special worship, shared youth ministry, cooperative evangelism, or pastoral cooperation.
A YEARLY meeting consists of the members of the monthly meetings subordinate to it. The purposes of its annual assemblies are the general ordering and regulating of the affairs of the constituent bodies in the service of God and the maintenance and promotion of Christian faith, love, unity, life, and practice throughout the subordinate meetings. All members have the privilege and responsibility of attendance and participation in its sessions.
The yearly meeting has the power to decide all questions of administration; to counsel, admonish, or discipline its subordinate meetings; to provide means for the promotion of truth and righteousness; and to inaugurate and carry on departments of religious and philanthropic work.
The yearly meeting has the authority to set up new meetings, to discontinue or divide meetings, or to reduce a monthly meeting to preparative meeting status and place it under another monthly meeting's care or under the yearly meeting's care. It shall determine the groupings of monthly meetings into area meetings.
The yearly meeting has supervision over the monthly meetings. It may review their proceedings and examine the records thereof, so that any irregularities of proceedings may be corrected by the monthly meeting. It shall receive appeals from monthly meetings and decide upon them.
The yearly meeting may appoint a committee to counsel with a monthly meeting in cases of difficulty, as it may know of such need, or upon the request of the monthly meeting.
THE yearly meeting shall appoint a Presiding Clerk, Recording Clerk, Assistant to the Clerks, and other clerks as needed. The yearly meeting shall be opened at the appointed time and place by the Presiding Clerk. In the absence of the Presiding or Recording Clerk, the Assistant to the Clerks shall perform the duties of either clerk.
UPON the nomination of the Executive Committee, the yearly meeting may appoint a person to serve as General Superintendent or Executive Secretary. Such an appointee shall be responsible to the Executive Committee and shall serve the interests of all boards in the yearly meeting. He or she shall meet with each of the boards and be ready to assist and advise whenever possible. He or she shall also act as a special representative of the various boards of the yearly meeting in carrying out plans of the yearly meeting. When additional staff personnel are required, the Executive Committee shall nominate suitable persons to the yearly meeting for approval.
(There are "Eldering Guidelines for Discernment and Restoration of Professional Staff of Western Yearly Meeting." WYM Minutes, 1995, p. 34)
BUSINESS may be introduced to the yearly meeting from the Administrative Council, boards of the yearly meeting, monthly meetings, Friends United Meeting, or other yearly meetings. Business may also be laid before the yearly meeting by any of its members, in which case it shall be referred automatically to the Committee on New Business before it is discussed by the yearly meeting.
THE yearly meeting shall have an Administrative Council which shall consist of the representatives from each monthly meeting; the yearly meeting Presiding Clerk, who shall be the clerk of this body; the yearly meeting Recording Clerk, who shall be the recording clerk of this body; the Assistant to the Clerks; board chairpersons; and other members as directed by the yearly meeting.
Any member of the yearly meeting may attend Administrative Council, speak to business, and share in its decisions. Representatives are also to attend sessions of the yearly meeting.
Time of Meeting-The Administrative Council shall meet at such time and place as the yearly meeting may designate or upon its own adjournment. Special meetings may be called by the Presiding Clerk on the request of three members of the Administrative Council who represent separate monthly meetings. At least one week prior to a called meeting, each member of the council shall be notified of the time and place of the meeting, together with an agenda showing all business items to be considered by the council at that meeting. Actions on all items shall be reported to the next session of yearly meeting.
Records-The Administrative Council shall keep a record of its proceedings and annually report its actions to the yearly meeting.
Minutes for Service-The Administrative Council shall appoint a small committee to act with the Presiding Clerk in considering requests for minutes liberating Friends for service beyond the limits of the yearly meeting. This committee may act in other matters as authorized by the Administrative Council.
THE Ministers for Spiritual Health and Vitality is a pastoral body to care for the spiritual health and vitality of Western Yearly Meeting. The Ministers shall consider the needs, vitality, conflicts, and growth in the local monthly meetings as well as the yearly meeting. The Ministers are asked to be sensitive to matters spiritual and tangible. They are asked to gather regularly and also individually to be in prayer and discernment for all parts of Western Yearly Meeting as the body of Christ. These Ministers are to be a resource for monthly meeting leadership and to attend to the active functioning of area councils and the spiritual health of monthly meetings. The Ministers are asked to be particularly responsive to the "Faith" portion of Faith and Practice.
THE Executive Committee of the yearly meeting shall be appointed to serve as a coordinating agency for the boards of the yearly meeting. It shall be composed as directed by the yearly meeting.
THE Board on Finance of the yearly meeting shall be composed of those persons designated by the yearly meeting. In consultation with the various boards and committees, it shall discern budgetary needs and recommend a budget to the general sessions. It shall monitor the funding of the budget. The board shall recommend to the yearly meeting persons to serve as Treasurer, Benevolence Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Financial Trustees. It shall oversee the work of the treasurers.
THE Audit Committee will be nominated by the Yearly Meeting Nominating Committee and approved by the yearly meeting. The Audit Committee reports directly to the yearly meeting. It shall audit the accounts of the treasurers and of the various boards and committees having charge of the expenditure of funds.
THE yearly meeting shall have a Board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism. Appointment of members shall be under the direction of the yearly meeting. The board shall carefully consider subjects which have reference to spiritual needs and may report its judgment to the yearly meeting for its action. It shall have under its supervision a Committee on Training and Recording of Ministers to oversee the recording process. The Board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism conducts entrance and exit interviews with recording candidates and sends recommendations to the yearly meeting for the recordings to proceed. (See also The Committee on Training and Recording of Ministers [p. 57].)
THE Board on Christian Education shall be composed of those persons designated by the yearly meeting. The Board on Christian Education shall have the responsibility for promoting Christian faith through the areas of Christian education and literature.
THE Board on Christian Outreach shall be composed of those persons designated by the yearly meeting. The board shall have under its care the concerns of missions, the Associated Committee of Friends on Indian Affairs, and the Friends World Committee for Consultation. The board shall carefully communicate all materials and information to the local meetings concerning each of these areas of Christian outreach and keep the yearly meeting aware of its work. It shall disburse its endowment funds appropriately and report their disbursement to the yearly meeting. Also, it shall promote the special projects of its subcommittees. (See descriptions of these organizations under Affiliated Bodies [p. 59].)
THE Board on Peace and Christian Social Concerns shall be composed of those persons designated by the yearly meeting. The Board's functions include the carrying out of activities in the areas of peace and Christian social concerns and being a leader for the yearly meeting in Christian social thought and action. It shall strive to awaken or sensitize the consciences of members of the yearly meeting in these areas. It shall make reports as directed by the yearly meeting.
THE Board on Meeting Development and Nurture shall be composed of those persons designated to serve by the area meetings and the yearly meeting. It shall have the responsibility for developing the goals and directions for establishing new meetings and to be an extensive nurturing resource to existing meetings within the yearly meeting.
NEW monthly meetings may be established by the yearly meeting from the elevation of a preparative meeting to monthly meeting status from the initiative of the Board on Meeting Development and Nurture. New monthly meetings may be established through an existing monthly meeting upon the request of a group of members desiring to be organized as a monthly meeting.
If a group of members of various monthly meetings desires to establish a monthly meeting, or if a monthly meeting desires to divide to form two monthly meetings, it shall bring the request to the yearly meeting for approval.
If a worship group which has become interested in the principles of Friends and Christian beliefs desires to develop into a monthly meeting, the persons are advised first to make application as individuals for membership in an established monthly meeting. After they are accepted into membership in the monthly meeting, the worship group may then apply to the monthly meeting to become a preparative meeting.
If there is no monthly meeting in close proximity to the worship group, it may apply to the yearly meeting. The yearly meeting will appoint a committee of not fewer than two members each from the Board on Meeting Development and Nurture and the Board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism to facilitate the affiliation with Friends in accordance with Faith and Practice of Western Yearly Meeting.
THE purpose of preparative meeting status is to provide assistance and oversight from an established monthly meeting to worship groups, so they may become as prepared as possible to be freestanding monthly meetings within Western Yearly Meeting.
The preparative meeting shall pay membership assessment to the parent meeting, and the parent meeting will be responsible for payment of assessment to the yearly meeting. This assessment shall be one-half the current rate for resident adult members for the first two years and thereafter at the full rate unless cause can be shown that it would be an overwhelming financial burden.
UPON granting of preparative meeting status, the meeting shall appoint clerks and such officers and committees as are appropriate and begin functioning under the oversight of the parent meeting.
A PREPARATIVE meeting should seek monthly meeting status as soon as the vitality of the preparative meeting is established. The following procedure shall be used:
1. The preparative meeting shall make application to the parent meeting for monthly meeting status.
2. When the parent monthly meeting has approved the elevation of the preparative meeting to monthly meeting status, the parent meeting shall send this recommendation to the yearly meeting.
3. When the Western Yearly Meeting Executive Committee receives the request for the establishment of a new monthly meeting, it shall appoint a committee of not fewer than two each from the Board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism and the Board on Meeting Development and Nurture to visit the meeting and determine whether it is ready for monthly meeting status. If, after investigation, it is determined that these Friends are ready to assume monthly meeting status, the committee shall report to the yearly meeting.
4. Upon approval of a report from this committee, the yearly meeting will assign the new monthly meeting to an area meeting.
5. The membership of the preparative meeting shall transfer into the new monthly meeting from the parent meeting.
6. New monthly meetings shall appoint officers in accordance with Faith and Practice and forward a list of its members to the yearly meeting office.
IN the event that a preparative meeting ceases to exist without becoming a monthly meeting, the following procedure shall be used:
1. The preparative meeting's property shall return to the yearly meeting for possible use in further church planting, or to the parent meeting according to the investment made by each.
2. The parent meeting shall assume responsibility for all records.
3. The memberships of the preparative meeting reside in the parent meeting during the life of the preparative meeting and remain there upon termination of the preparative meeting.
WHEN a monthly meeting desires to affiliate with both Western Yearly Meeting and another yearly meeting, the matter shall be referred to Western Yearly Meeting. If it is determined that the monthly meeting is in accord with the Western Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice and it is ready to assume the responsibility of a monthly meeting in Western Yearly Meeting, or continue its responsibility to Western Yearly Meeting and assume its responsibility to another yearly meeting, Western Yearly Meeting may proceed with the consideration of joint membership.
Monthly meetings having joint membership with Western Yearly Meeting and other yearly meetings will report one-half of their membership to Western Yearly Meeting for statistical purposes.
WHEN a meeting is discontinued, the physical property and investments belonging to said meeting shall be vested in the yearly meeting, except when otherwise determined by deed or other legal restriction. Such property is to be held for some specific purpose or used for the advancement of the general work of the yearly meeting as that body may determine. All funds held from such discontinued meetings shall be administered, insofar as possible, in accordance with the directions of the original donor. The discontinued meeting's minutes and related records, or a copy thereof, shall be transferred to the yearly meeting. A meeting is not to be considered as discontinued if it unites as an organized group with another Friends meeting.
WESTERN Yearly Meeting recognizes there are times and conditions by which monthly meetings desire and need to leave our faith fellowship. We desire such times to be a graceful and loving parting and will endeavor on our part to discern all matters with the Spirit of the Living Christ.
Faith and Practice clarifies Western Yearly Meeting's responsibility and authority in matters pertaining to separation. Western Yearly Meeting has the responsibility and right to determine the conditions upon which monthly meetings separate themselves from our fellowship. We wish to exercise this authority being respectful in all matters of those wishing to leave. We ask similar respect and consideration of those leaving.
Regarding property of a monthly meeting, Western Yearly Meeting has the responsibility to determine its status upon the separation of a monthly meeting. In so doing, Western Yearly Meeting recognizes the value and role of local congregations. It is not in our interest to acquire any such properties, but it is our responsibility to see that their future use will serve the intended purpose of their original gifts.
THE bond of union between yearly meetings is maintained by annual correspondence, by issuing and receiving credentials of ministers and others for special service, by granting and receiving certificates of membership in cases of removal, by joint participation in religious and benevolent enterprises, and, in some cases, by common membership in the Friends United Meeting. Though the constituent yearly meetings often delegate certain authority to other Friends groups, they retain their original independence in the transaction of the business which does not involve such delegated authority.
JUNIOR Yearly Meeting meets concurrently with the regular yearly meeting. It is primarily for children of elementary school age and is similar in pattern to the regular yearly meeting, except that recreation has been added to complete a threefold program of work, worship, and play.
THE children appoint officers and committees from their own number and carry on their business according to the manner of Friends. They participate in the meetings for worship and conduct relevant discussions. Classes are provided for the study of the Bible and of the history, teaching, and practice of Friends. Reports are forwarded to the regular yearly meeting and communications exchanged with other junior meetings.
WESTERN Young Friends Yearly Meeting meets concurrently with the Western Yearly Meeting sessions. It is for the middle-school/junior-high and high-school-age youth. Sessions include youth business sessions, worship, Christian education, recreation, and service, as well as times of interaction with the adults and children attending sessions. Depending on the size of the group and amount of adult leadership, the middle school/junior high youth and high school youth groups may have some sessions separate from one another.
Young Friends appoint officers from their own number and carry on their business according to the manner of Friends. (The Young Friends officers may also serve as the officers of the Youth Cabinet. See the current WYM Handbook for a description of Youth Cabinet and its functions.) Reports and epistles are presented in Western Yearly Meeting sessions. The Young Friends epistle (or epistles, if Middle School/ Junior High Young Friends compose a separate epistle) are sent along with the Western Yearly Meeting epistle to other yearly meetings.
FRIENDS meetings have long recognized the evidences of gifts in ministries.
GOD has bestowed a diversity of gifts on all of His children to accomplish His purpose in the church and in the world. Recognizing the inherent spiritual capacity of all persons and the work of grace that is shared by all believers, Friends cherish those gifts and desire to bring each to its full development in the living Word, that the whole body may be joined together by that which each member contributes. Among the diversity of ministries, the following should be noted: evangelism, or the sharing of one's faith; teaching of the gospel truths; prayer and praise; encouragement; prophetic discernment and sensitivity; and pastoral care.
Friends encourage all to minister without regard to age, sex, race, national origin, or theological education. Education is not a guarantee of effective ministry, but certainly can be helpful. All gifts of ministry may be cultivated and developed by prayerful study and close observation of human need.
Ministry is defined as "helping others to grow in their relationship with God, helping each to nurture the other in common union of strengthening and building up the whole body of Christ." Ministry is the incarnation or modeling of Christ's love and servanthood.
While Friends believe in the ministry of all believers, each with a ministry to render, they also affirm that some gifts may be recognized by being recorded. Friends record those with a public ministry. Within the public ministry, there is a pastoral gift which consists especially in the ability to minister to entire congregations and to do personal work with individuals and families. This gift fits the possessor of it to comfort those who mourn, to lead the members into a closer religious life, to arouse in the young an interest in the things of the Spirit, and to impress others with a sense of the scope and reality of the spiritual life. It is the gift of shepherding and feeding the flock.
The Church cannot make or appoint ministers; it can only recognize gifts where they exist and properly provide for their exercise and development in individuals who have experienced God's calling to this work.
FOR Friends, there is a distinction between the act of recording the gifts of ministry and ordination. Christ calls the individual; and as the gifts develop and obedience to the Holy Spirit is evident, the meeting recognizes and affirms the gifts, always encouraging and properly providing for the training and recording of gifts.
The recording of gifts implies responsibilities on the part of the person being recorded. The Friend's character should reflect the principles and practices of Friends in daily living. A thorough knowledge of the Scriptures and of Friends testimonies, doctrines, and ideals is essential. The competent leader is expected to maintain the spirit of the servant. In financial and business matters, the minister must be a person of scrupulous honesty and integrity, in all respects an example of Christian living. The minister is expected to meet the standards of daily living set forth in the Queries of Faith and Practice of Western Yearly Meeting and should be involved in the community, both locally and among the wider circle of Friends.
THE recording process involves a series of meetings for clearness and discernment that begins with the local monthly meeting board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism. Its responsibility is to recognize and call attention to the gifts for public ministry demonstrated in the life of one of its members. The local board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism minutes its clearness and takes its recommendation to the local monthly meeting for business. If the monthly meeting concurs with the board's judgment regarding the gifts of ministry of its member, it sends a minute to the Board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism of Western Yearly Meeting recommending its member for consideration as a candidate for recording.
The Board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism of Western Yearly Meeting will subsequently begin a formal process of discernment in the matter of calling and gifts of ministry of the recommended individual. A Standing Committee on Training and Recording shall be appointed to oversee the Recording of Ministers under the supervision of the Board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism.
The process for recording includes interviews with the local board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism and the candidate, discernment, completion of prescribed academic requirements, time considerations, mentoring resources, and a yearly meeting Board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism recommendation to the annual sessions of Western Yearly Meeting. The board is to provide a current handbook to each candidate who comes under its care. This handbook will provide details of the entire process.
When the yearly meeting has acted favorably upon the matter, the recording is thereby completed and the clerk shall furnish a copy of the minute to the monthly meeting of which the individual is a member and to the individual. Both the yearly meeting and the monthly meeting shall enter this minute in full in their books of record.
When a proposition to record a member is disapproved, the body taking this action shall so inform the monthly meeting where the proposition originated. (See also Board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism [p. 51].)
RECORDING may be rescinded if the recorded minister has lost the gift of public ministry and is no longer useful in ministry. The action to rescind may originate in either the monthly meeting or the yearly meeting.
The final action to rescind rests with the yearly meeting. The yearly meeting shall notify both the individual and the monthly meeting of which the recorded minister is a member. The notification must take place before final action of Western Yearly Meeting so that care is taken to safeguard the individual's rights and reputation.
(There are "Eldering Guidelines for Discernment and Restoration of Recorded Ministers in Western Yearly Meeting." WYM Minutes, 1995, p. 38)
A RECORDED minister may appeal for a review of his or her recorded status. The Board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism of Western Yearly Meeting should arrange for the hearing. The results of the hearing will be forwarded to the monthly meeting and to the yearly meeting.
A recording may be restored to a person after a previous recording has been rescinded. A minute recommending that a person's recording be restored must come from the monthly meeting of which the person is a member.
If the Board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism of Western Yearly Meeting concurs with the monthly meeting, the member's name will be placed on the list of recording candidates and the candidate will reenter the process at the yearly meeting board level. The previous fulfillment of educational requirements will be taken into consideration, but new requirements will take precedence over previous ones.
THE status of a minister is transferable from one yearly meeting to another with the person's certificate of membership. It is expected, however, that a minister planning to engage in pastoral ministry will endeavor to meet the educational requirements of the yearly meeting to which the transfer is made.
A minister transferring from a non-Friends United Meeting yearly meeting shall have his or her recording reviewed by the yearly meeting Board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism and, if found to be in harmony with the Faith and Practice of Friends as held by Western Yearly Meeting, be issued a minute recognizing his or her recording.
FRIENDS emphasize that the Lord calls all Christians to ministry and Friends recognize that He calls some individuals into pastoral service. Persons contemplating service in the pastoral ministry shall be encouraged to attend college and seminary to develop their gifts. A Friend who is under the care of the Committee for Training and Recording may be regarded as having fulfilled the educational requirements if he or she has graduated from an accredited seminary and the course has included Friends history and principles.
If a candidate for recording has not completed the educational requirements above, the person must enter into the training and recording program of the yearly meeting. All Friends who are candidates for recording shall be under the care of the Committee on Training and Recording for at least two years unless the yearly meeting Board on Christian Ministries and Evangelism sees fit to grant an exception. Upon completion of the training program, the candidate may be considered for recording.
All ministers and pastors and candidates for recording are urged to participate in the ongoing program of Friends, including attendance at the Pastors' Short Course, Western Yearly Meeting sessions, and Friends United Meeting sessions.
PROPOSALS for the amendment or revision of the book of Faith and Practice may originate in a monthly meeting of the yearly meeting or in the boards or Executive Committee of the yearly meeting. An individual Friend with a concern for revision of the Faith and Practice should submit this concern to his or her monthly meeting. Proposed revisions shall be submitted to the yearly meeting for consideration either to its annual session or to the Administrative Council. Following approval, proposed revisions will be circulated to all monthly meetings for careful study. Final action shall be taken at an annual session of the yearly meeting.
The yearly meeting shall determine the conditions under which the new amendment(s) or revision(s) shall become operative.
(founded 1881)
ELIZA Armstrong Cox, a member of Western Yearly Meeting, and a few other Friends women proposed the organization of a support group for the Missionary Enterprise/World Evangelism work of Friends. After receiving approval from the Men's Meeting, the Women's Foreign Missionary Society was organized in 1881. Women from other yearly meetings wanted to participate and the organization expanded.
Currently, Friends women, primarily from Friends United Meeting yearly meetings, belong to the United Society of Friends Women-International (USFW-I), which publishes The Advocate and meets triennially. The United Society of Friends Women-Western is organized after the pattern of USFW-I and works closely with them. Some purposes of the organization are the following: to stimulate spiritual growth and development; to cultivate Christian stewardship; to nurture education for missions among Friends including children and youth; to provide prayer and financial support for those whom God has called to service in overseas missions, among native Americans, and in our inner cities. The USFW-W president is an ex-officio member of the Western Yearly Meeting Executive Committee. She helps plan and provide leadership for a program at the annual sessions of Western Yearly Meeting.
(founded 1950)
THE Quaker Men movement among Friends started essentially as a local meeting enterprise, later becoming a yearly meeting and Friends United Meeting movement. It seeks to enlist the manpower of its membership for effective service through the local meeting. With a background of development in several local and yearly meetings, the Quaker Men organization of Friends United Meeting was formed in October 1950 at a conference on the Earlham College campus. The first project was raising $150,000 to construct the new Friends Central Offices building in Richmond, Indiana. Men from Western Yearly Meeting who were early officers of the organization were George Castle (President, 1953-56) and Merritt Murphy, Secretary. In 1977, the name of Quaker Men International was adopted. The group meets triennially at the same time and place as the United Society of Friends Women-International.
Quaker Men-Western meets twice a year, once during the annual sessions and again in the spring. Objectives include bearing witness to Christ's way of life in fellowship, business dealings, and social actions, and engaging in Christian service projects. Responsibility for planning activities and projects lies with the Quaker Men Board. The Board's membership includes a representative from each area of the yearly meeting and the Quaker Men officers. The president of Quaker Men- Western is an ex-officio member of the Western Yearly Meeting Executive Committee.
(founded 1974)
FRIENDS Disaster Service (Eastern Region) was formed in 1974 after tornadoes hit Xenia, Ohio. Friends from many meetings in Ohio spontaneously traveled to the devastated area for cleanup and repair. Dean Johnson and his wife, Freda, have been the coordinators and inspiration behind Friends Disaster Service spreading to other yearly meetings.
Western Yearly Meeting formed their portion of Friends Disaster Service in 1995. A trailer was purchased and filled with construction tools. The disaster service has responded to floods and tornadoes. Friends Disaster Service is known throughout the disaster community as a unit that may be relied upon in an emergency. They work hand in hand with other relief agencies in our area such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and different faith-based organizations.
Each of the meetings of Western Yearly Meeting is encouraged to participate in Friends Disaster Service. This is a mission project for our local communities designed to demonstrate the love of Christ in the midst of disaster and chaos. A representative of the Friends Disaster Service serves on the Executive Committee of Western Yearly Meeting.
(founded 1869)
THE Associated Committee of Friends on Indian Affairs (ACFIA) was organized in 1869 as the result of a government request that Friends appoint members to serve as Indian agents in Kansas and Oklahoma. The government relationship lasted only ten years, but the concern of Friends in this area has continued. The ACFIA is supported by Friends from a wide variety of Quaker groups and yearly meetings. Western Yearly Meeting has participated actively in the work of the ACFIA by appointment of representatives.
There are four Friends centers in Oklahoma among the Osage, Kickapoo, and Seneca-Cayuga, three of which are independent monthly meetings and the fourth is moving in that direction. There is a center in Iowa among the Mesquaki. There is also a center and school in Alabama among the Mowa-Choctaw Indians. Support comes through voluntary contributions from yearly meetings, local meetings, and individuals.
(founded 1917)
AS a channel for service in a wide range of humanitarian activities at home and abroad, the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) has achieved worldwide recognition. After being organized by representatives of all branches of the Religious Society of Friends, the Committee's first mission was to train conscientious objectors to World War I for "service of love in wartime," war relief, and reconstruction in Europe. Its work has continued among minority and oppressed persons as a religious expression of the testimonies of the Society of Friends for peace, equality, and justice. Believing that the principle of "that of God in everyone" will cause people to respond to unselfish love and constructive goodwill, AFSC attempts to play a reconciling role in situations of conflict and violence. They realize that lasting reconciliation must be based on equal justice. AFSC's work has been supported and staffed by Friends and by non-Friends who share its commitment to equality and nonviolence.
(founded 1937)
THE Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) has helped Friends all over the world discover their common spiritual ground and consider their corporate witness for peace and social justice. It functions as a consultative body, with the world office in London and autonomous sectional offices in Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia/West Pacific. Committee members, appointed by almost 70 yearly meetings, meet once every three years in a different part of the world.
FWCC/Section of the Americas serves thirty-plus diverse yearly meetings in the Western Hemisphere. Through two regional offices in the United States, the Coordinating Committee of Latin American Friends (COAL), and a main office in Philadelphia, Friends cooperate in regional conferences, inter-visitation, and Quaker Youth Pilgrimages. FWCC/Section of the Americas facilitates Friends' international service and spiritual development through programs such as the Friends Peace Teams, the Quaker United Nations Offices, the Wider Quaker Fellowship, and participation in ecumenical meetings. FWCC publications include Friends World News, Quakers Around the World, and a biennial Friends Directory. Friends and the public can access more information at these web sites: world@fwcc.quaker.org and www.fwccamericas.org.
(founded 1967)
RIGHT Sharing of World Resources (RSWR) began in 1967 at the Fourth World Conference of Friends in Greensboro, North Carolina, when Friends began to develop a program to address a concern to share food and resources from economically developed countries with others less fortunate. This program was lodged under the Friends World Committee (FWCC) until 1999, when Right Sharing of World Resources became a separate entity.
The goal is to provide small grants to third world groups, particularly women, in order to help them start micro businesses, thus improving their standard of living, their self esteem, and management skills. Money for these grants is raised from monthly meetings and individuals primarily, all over Quakerdom.
Groups wishing funds must submit proposals and plans for operating their businesses. These proposals are evaluated, following specific guidelines, by an independent board of Quakers who manage the funds and evaluate the progress and efficacy of the businesses.
(founded 1943)
A GATHERING of Friends at Quaker Hill, Richmond, Indiana, organized the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL). It was agreed that a national committee composed of yearly meeting representatives would meet periodically to discuss issues, make decisions, and set policy for the program. While it has been recognized from the beginning that the FCNL does not speak for all Friends in the United States, it is equally clear that many Friends believe in and support the ideas advanced by the committee. The staff of the FCNL does not take a position on any issue without the approval of the committee. The FCNL presents its views to members of Congress and other government officials through personal interviews, printed statements, and testimony before congressional committees. It publishes a newsletter and sponsors conferences and seminars to provide information for concerned citizens so they can form opinions knowledgeably and make them known to government officials. The FCNL has offices in Washington, D.C.
(founded 1971)
INDIANA Friends Committee on Legislation (IFCL) seeks to express the spirit of Christ and to relate our Christian faith and Quaker testimonies to the shaping of responsible decisions by our state government. (Preamble, Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation)
(founded 1996)
INDIANA Partners for Christian Unity and Mission (IPCUM) is the statewide ecumenical organization, which works to foster unity and enhance communication among the partner denominations and ecumenical agencies through networking, initiating dialogue, and addressing issues of common concern. The member organizations of IPCUM strive to learn from one another about the richness God offers through different Christian faith expressions while serving the whole people of God through cooperative prayer, worship, word, and action. Western Yearly Meeting is a founding member of the organization, which is the successor to the Indiana Council of Churches. Western Yearly Meeting annually appoints one representative to the IPCUM Servant Board.