Speaking

1.     Any member desiring to speak on a question should rise in his place and address the Moderator, confine his remarks to the question, and avoid all unkind and disrespectful language.

2.     A speaker using improper language, introducing improper subjects, or otherwise out of order, should be called to order by the Moderator or any member and must either conform to the regulations of the Body or take his seat.

3.     A member, while speaking, can allow others to ask questions or make explanations; but, if he yields the floor to another, he cannot claim it again as his right.

4.     If two members rise to speak at the same time, preference is usually given to the one farthest from the chair or to the one opposing the motion under discussion.

5.     The fact that a person has several times arisen and attempted to get the floor gives him no claim or right to be heard, nor does a call for the previous question deprive a member of his right to speak.

6.     The Moderator shall not permit disruptive or disorderly behavior at any Church business meeting. He shall, by majority vote of the members present, have anyone removed from the meeting who cannot abide by the rules of decorum and common courtesy.

Voting

1.     A question is put to vote by the Moderator, having first distinctly restated it, that all may vote intelligently. First, the affirmative, then the negative is called, each so deliberately as to give all an opportunity of voting. The Moderator then distinctly announces whether the motion is carried or lost.

2.     All members present are expected to vote.

3.     The Moderator does not usually vote except the question taken by ballot; but when the meeting is equally divided, he is expected to cast the deciding vote.

4.     When the vote is to be taken by ballot, the Moderator appoints tellers to distribute, collect, and count the ballots.

5.     Any voting member can demand a secret ballot on a question to be voted upon if he (she) feels the need for such action.

Committees

1.     The Moderator, if so directed by the Body, nominates committees, and the nominations are confirmed by a vote of the Body; or nominations may be taken from members present and then confirmed by a vote of the Body.

2.     Any matter of business or subject under debate may be referred to a committee, with or without instructions. The committee makes their report, which is the result of their deliberations. The body then takes action on the report and on any recommendations it may contain.

3.     The report of a committee is received when it is listened to, having been called for or permitted by the Moderator, with or without a vote of the body. The report is accepted by a vote, which acknowledges their services and places the report before the body for its action. Any distinct recommendation contained in the report is acted on and may be adopted or rejected by vote of the body.

4 of 8

Go to page 5