Roberts Rule

[Guest Dennis]

In a church business meeting/session that is to be run according to Robert's Rule, which takes precedent Roberts or the Church Constitution?

[Chris Harrison]

In a church business meeting/session that is to be run according to Robert's Rule, which takes precedent Roberts or the Church Constitution?

The Constitution. RONR is one of the lowest men on the totem pole (RONR p. 10).

[Guest Dennis]

Just to make sure I understand, the church's constitution says, "This church shall conduct its meetings under parliamentary procedure as outlined by Robert's Rule of Order." Does 'under' mean it places itself under Roberts during business or does constitution still take precedence? Thanks

[jstackpo]

RONR supplies a set (a large one!) of default rules of procedure and other suggestions for good and proper behavior in meetings.

If your constitution has rules that differ from RONR's then your constitution's rules prevail.

Also if you have adopted "Special Rules of Order" they prevail over RONR as well.

[hmtcastle]

Just to make sure I understand, the church's constitution says, "This church shall conduct its meetings under parliamentary procedure as outlined by Robert's Rule of Order."

The next time you're amending your constitution, you might want to adopt the language recommended by RONR.