Motions related to standing committees

[Moderator Tim]

Our organization's bylaws created a "Program and Arrangements Committee" whose stated function is to be "responsible for arrangements, location, and operation of the Annual Conference. This committee has the responsibility to plan the Conference program, taking account of the work of the church both at home and abroad as administered by the agencies of Annual Conference."

One traditional way this committee works is by hosting an exhibit hall, filled with booths of church agencies and groups. The approval of one particular group has caused a great deal of controversy.

My question is this: Can someone make a motion saying "I move that group X should not be allowed to have a booth in the exhibit hall." Is this in order?

[jstackpo]

This is essentially a bylaws interpretation question which we can't do here.

Obviously the answer turns on the meaning of "responsible for" but what that is is for your association to figure out.

See p. 588 for some guidance as to how, procedurally, to go about doing the figuring.

[Gary Novosielski]

If a matter is in the hands of a committee, then the assembly can't directly deal with it. But they can adopt a motion giving Subsequent Instructions to the committee, directing it to make changes, presuming that the committee reports to the assembly.

(See §13. COMMIT OR REFER)

[jstackpo]

I wonder if "subsequent instructions" applies to a Committee established in the bylaws?

Just wondering.

Might have to amend the bylaws to add something like "Subject to review by the congregation" [or whatever the church body calls itself].

[George Mervosh]

I wonder if "subsequent instructions" applies to a Committee established in the bylaws?

Just wondering.

While the committee might be established by the bylaws, instructions on when to report on a certain matter referred to it, etc......sure seems proper.

[jstackpo]

Except that what the committee is "responsible for" seems pretty well spelled out in the bylaws.