COPC  | |
|
Parliamentary Guidelines
One of the primary purposes of the World Conference is to do the
business of the church. Through a process of common consent, delegates to the
World Conference discuss important issues and make decisions that are essential
to the ongoing ministry of the church. Developing a process through which 2,800
delegates can give adequate attention to all of the issues before the Conference
is not easy. Over the years, several resources have been made available to
assist the delegates to perform the tasks for which they were elected. These
include:
-
The Bylaws, which provide basic guidelines for the
administration of the church and the operation of conferences, including the
World Conference.
-
Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (2000), which
defines the procedures by which legislative items are discussed and decided
upon.
-
The Standing Rules, adopted by each World Conference, which
establish special procedures designed specifically for the purposes of the
Conference in the life of the church.
-
A Legislative Communications System, which provides a fair and
orderly way for delegates to have access to the floor to discuss issues and
make proposals for the Conference to act.
Delegates should familiarize themselves with the principles
contained in this guide and with the Standing Rules so they can most effectively
carry out the responsibilities for which they have been elected.
Parliamentary Principles
The principles underlying the parliamentary procedure used by
the World Conference are intended to provide the following:
-
Fairness: No person or point of view should have a
decided advantage or disadvantage in discussing and deciding issues. Matters
before the Conference should be decided on their merits as they are ultimately
determined by the body.
-
Clarity: The procedures used by the Conference should
help to clarify the precise issues that are under discussion and the precise
proposals that are being decided in a vote.
-
Efficiency: Given the large number of delegates and the
size of the agenda, parliamentary principles should help the Conference to
move through its agenda at a pace that is expeditious, but not overly hasty.
-
Protection of Minority Opinions: Although most issues
are decided by a majority vote, matters that affect the rights of the
delegates (such as the closing of debate) or that modify the basic principles
by which the church is governed (such as amending the Bylaws) must carry by a
vote of at least two-thirds of the delegates.
The parliamentary authority of the World Conference is
Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (2000), except where they are in
conflict with the Bylaws of the church or the Standing Rules of the World
Conference. Specific actions are defined later in this guide.
Debate and Motions
| Moving a Motion |
After you have proposed a motion, the Chair will call for a
second. After the second has been acknowledged, you will be recognized to
speak to your motion if it is debatable. |
| Amendments |
Motions to amend will be better understood if a written
copy is submitted in advance. Although submitting a written copy does not
guarantee that you will be recognized, it will allow for the text amendment
to be projected in English, French, and Spanish. It is the responsibility of
the delegate to obtain the floor. |
| Rule of Alternates |
If persons are registered to speak both for and against a
motion, the Chair will usually alternate between those wishing to speak
"for" and those wishing to speak "against" the motion. |
| Closing Debate |
At any time during a debate, a delegate may move the
previous question to close debate and call for the vote. Such a motion will
prevail only if at least two-thirds of the delegates voting wish to close
debate. |
Responsible Participation
The effective operation of World Conference business sessions
requires the cooperation of the delegates. Flexibility, patience, and
consideration for others will allow the legislative process to operate smoothly
and fairly for all.
Delegates have no way of knowing their specific position in the
speaking queue. A variety of factors will affect the precise order in which
delegates are listed in the queue. The Legislative Communications System is
designed so that no delegates are systematically advantaged or disadvantaged.
Several delegates may be registered to speak to a main motion
when an amendment is made. When a motion to amend has been made and seconded, a
new speaking queue is opened, and the Chair will call on persons who are
registered to speak to the amendment. Those registered to speak to the main
motion will remain in the main motion queue, which will be restored should the
main motion return to the floor for additional debate.
Delegates will be recognized for the purpose for which they have
registered. Delegates recognized for motions of precedence, such as point of
order or point of personal privilege, will rise to the top of the queue. It
is not appropriate to use motions of parliamentary precedence to speak to the
substance of a motion or to ask a rhetorical question.
The Chair receives information about delegates wishing to obtain
the floor through the Legislative Communications System. This computerized
system transfers and coordinates information from all ten speaking lecterns to
the Chair. The system has been designed to be both orderly and fair.
How to Use the Legislative Communications System
-
If you think you might want to obtain the floor at some time
during the Conference, write your badge number in the appropriate space on at
least one of the legislative cards that have been provided to delegates.
-
Become familiar with the listing of the various parliamentary
actions found in this guide. When you wish to obtain the floor, write the
number of the action you wish to take on the card, along with your badge
number, before you approach the lectern operator.
-
Try to anticipate when the action you wish to take would be
appropriate. Then move quickly toa lectern, wearing your delegate badge.
However, you may not register to speak on any item until the Chair announces
the item and receives a second.
-
Give the card to the lectern operator, who will enter the
information into the system. Lectern operators are not able to give
parliamentary advice, and they cannot tell you where you are in the queue.
-
If you have a question about how the Legislative
Communications System works and how to use it effectively, please ask a
lectern operator, but preferably not during a legislative session.
-
At times, large numbers of delegates may attempt to seek the
floor at the same time. The system was designed to be as fair as possible to
everyone. Please try to be understanding and calm.
-
You may remain in the aisle near the lectern until you are
recognized by the Chair. Do not block the aisle or access to the lectern. If
it looks like a long wait, you may return to your seat. If the matter you rose
to speak to is disposed of before you are recognized, please return to your
seat.
-
The lectern operator will enter the information from your card
into the system.
-
If the action you wish to take has parliamentary priority
(such as a point of order) the system will alert the Chair.
-
When the chair calls your name, speak directly into the
microphone. Begin by giving your name and jurisdiction.
-
If you do not speak English, the system will generally provide
this information to the translators and the technical staff.
Parliamentary Deliberations in an International Assembly
Be aware that when you speak before the assembly, your words are
being translated into several languages simultaneously. It is very important
that you speak clearly and slowly enough that the translators will be able to
keep up with what you are saying. Because of time limits placed on the length of
speeches, there is a great temptation to say as much as possible in the brief
time allotted. If you speak too rapidly, however, the Chair may need to
interrupt you and ask you to slow down. It is far more effective to think
carefully about how to express your thoughts in words that are brief and clear.
When giving a speech, it is important to understand that
technical language and humor often do not translate well. If translators need to
explain your words in addition to translating them, your speech will probably be
less effective than it would otherwise be.
Parliamentary Actions
| |
In order when someone else
has the floor |
Requires a second |
Debatable |
Amendable |
Vote required M=Majority |
May be reconsidered |
| 1. Speak for the motion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2. Speak against the motion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3. Main Motion
This is the primary proposal before the
Conference. It must be submitted by one of the bodies authorized to present
resolutions. |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
M |
Yes |
4. Postpone Indefinitely
Proposes that the Conferences does not wish to
take a position on the main motion before it. It is in order only when the
main motion itself is under consideration. No other motions, such as to
amend or to refer, may be on the floor. |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
M |
Yes |
5. Amend
This changes the motion before the Conference. Be sure to state exactly
what is to be added, deleted, or substituted with precise wording. It helps
if written copy is filed with secretary in advance. |
No |
Yes |
If applied to a debatable
issue |
Yes |
M |
Yes |
6. Refer
(Also called "commit.") If the assembly thinks that it does not have
adequate information, or if excessive time is needed to refine the motion,
it may be referred to a particular group for this work. The motion to refer
should clearly state two things:
(a). the person or group to which it is referred; and
(b) what that group is to do:
1. report back at a certain time,
2. act as it sees fit within specified limits
3. act, or fail to act as it feels is wisest. |
No |
Yes |
Limited to advisability and
details of referral |
Yes |
M |
Yes |
7. Postpone to a Certain Time
This can be done for three purposes:
a. time to develop support;
b. time to develop more information;
c. to take up another matter before present business. |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
M |
Yes |
8. Limit or Extend Limits of Debate
Any limit can be set on the length of speeches, the number of speakers
permitted, or the total time of discussion. This is not often used when
there are abuses or when time is short and there are other matters to deal
with. |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
2/3 |
Yes |
9. Previous Question
This stops debate and calls for an immediate vote. The Chair is
justified in ruling it out of order until both sides have been well
expressed. When the discussion begins to be repetitive it can be helpful.
Specify the motions to which previous questions apply. |
No |
yes |
No |
No |
2/3 |
Yes |
10. Lay on the Table
Has the effect of setting the matter aside temporarily because something
more urgent has come up. Matters laid on the table remain there until taken
from the table. Any matters on the table at the end of the Conference dies.
It is not in order to lay an item on the table to defeat it. |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
M |
No |
11. Question of Privilege
This takes precedence over all other matters to enable a delegate to
deal with a problem of (a) comfort, (b) safety, (c) courtesy, (d) effective
working of the assembly. It is out of order to mention any other issue after
using this emergency measure to gain the floor. |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
Chair approval |
No |
12. Make a Report
Present a report that is on the agenda as a legislative item. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13. Object to Consideration
This is appropriate only when it is thought that discussion would bring
disrepute, embarrassment, or unwarranted divisiveness to the assembly or a
member. If you are merely opposed to a motion the proper procedure is to
speak against it and seek to vote it down. This move must be made
immediately after a question has been moved, seconded, and announced by the
Chair, but before debate begins. |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
2/3 |
Only when objection is
sustained |
14. Parliamentary Inquiry
This is a question about parliamentary procedure in the action before
the Conference at the time. The Chair's answer is an opinion only and cannot
be appealed. |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
Chair answers |
No |
15. Point of Order
This is appropriate if you think that business is progressing contrary
to
a. parliamentary rules of the Conference,
b. church law, or
c. normal standards of courtesy or propriety. |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
Chair rules |
No |
16. Appeal
If you think the Chair has ruled incorrectly on a matter, you can appeal
to the Conference. The Chair has the right to enter into the debate on the
appeal. |
Yes |
Yes |
If applied to debatable issue |
No |
M |
Yes |
17. Division of the Assembly
This is a call for a recount with a standing vote. It must be moved
before another motion is announced by the Chair. |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
Chair complies |
No |
18. Request for Information
Use when you wish to speak to a report or need additional clarification
or information in order to make an informed decision. Do not use this
request to debate an issue. |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Chair designates one to answer |
No |
19. Reconsider
Brings before the assembly a motion that has previously been acted upon.
Can be moved only by a person who previously voted on the prevailing side.
Seconder can have voted either way. Can be raised only on the same day or
day following original vote. |
No |
Yes |
Same as original |
No |
M |
No |
20. Suspend the Rules
If you think parliamentary or administrative rule of the Conference
interferes with the progress of business, you can move to suspend the rule.
Examples might be to change time of meeting, suspend rule of alternates, or
give an honored person the floor. Bylaws or church law cannot be amended
this way. |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
2/3 |
No |
21. Division of the Question
If there are two or more items in a motion that can be accepted or
rejected individually, this motion can be used. If it passes, the question
will be voted on by its divisible parts, not as a whole. |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
M |
No |
22. Take from the Table
Brings before the assembly a previously tabled motion. If this motion is
not made and passed, the table is cleared at the end of the Conference. |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
M |
No |
23. Make a Nomination
When the floor is open for nominations, use this option to place a name
in nomination. |
No |
No |
No |
No |
N/A |
No |
24. Other Parliamentary Request
You will need to specify to the lectern monitor the exact nature of your
intent. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Legislative Action Quick Reference
Use these numbers on your legislative card:
1. Speak For
2. Speak Against
3. Main Motion
4. Postpone Indefinitely
5. Amend
6. Refer
7. Postpone to a Certain Time
8. Limit or Extend Limits of Debate
9. Previous Question
10. Lay on the Table
11. Question of Privilege
12. Make a Report
13. Object to Consideration
14. Parliamentary Inquiry
15. Point of Order
16. Appeal
17. Division of the Assembly
18. Request for Information
19. Reconsider
20. Suspend the Rules
21. Division of the Question
22. Take from the Table
23. Make a Nomination
24. Other Parliamentary Request
|
