2007 World Conference Legislation

G-5  Participation in Conferences Within Geographically Large Mission Centers
(Motion approved as amended—to be referred to the Presidency)

From the South America Mission Center:

Whereas, Article III of the Bylaws indicates: “A basic principle of decision making in the Community of Christ is common consent.  Common consent respects the rights of the people to assent to the general conduct of business within the church and to sustain those called of God to provide leadership.  Common consent is exercised when members assemble in conferences in congregations, mission centers, and at the World Conference;” and

Whereas, Some mission centers cover vast areas including several countries, languages and cultures which often prevents the development of common consent; and

Whereas, The Bylaws of the Community of Christ do not explicitly permit nor prohibit remote participation in Mission Center conferences through electronic media or traditional mail by individuals who cannot participate in the Mission Center conference due to distance; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That Article IV, Section 3 of the Bylaws be amended by the addition of the following sentence at the end of the paragraph: “In the case that large distances make it very difficult for persons or groups of members to participate in mission center conferences, the use of available technology is permitted to allow for remote participation so long as all participants can participate simultaneously.”