Amendments
1.
Amendments may be made to resolutions in three ways: by
omitting, by adding, or by substituting words or sentences.
2.
An amendment to an amendment may be made but is seldom
necessary and should be avoided.
3.
No amendment should be made which essentially changes the
meaning or design of the original resolution.
4.
But, a substitute may be offered which may change entirely
the meaning of the resolution under debate.
5.
The amendment must first be discussed and acted on, and
then, the original resolution as amended.
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.
