NEW YORK YEARLY MEETING - Governance Issues

From: NYYM Spark Editor: email address
To: same address (forwarded to NYYM Global Email List)
Subject: Message from Clerk and Ministry and Counsel Clerk
Date: Tue, 06 Mar 2007 16:01:02 -0500

It seems many Friends in New York Yearly Meeting and the wider world of
Quakerism have been in receipt of recent emails from Glenn R. You
may have seen them. We are writing you now to shed light on the situation
in order to unify our intentions to move forward in right order. It is
clear that what is being imposed on New York Yearly Meeting and its staffcries out for Gospel Order.

Glenn R. is no longer our member. He has been released from Manhattan
Monthly Meeting and is seeking membership elsewhere, while continuing to
reside in New York. For a number of years Friends from New York Yearly
Meeting have walked with him listening to his concerns offering guidance
and prayer; there have been committees of support offered and rejected.

Friends believe that God's presence and guidance are available to all
seekers. We should listen attentively to, and reflect upon, the messages
and views of all members. When differences arise individuals first meet
face to face to air and resolve conflicts; if unsuccessful, they may meet
with a small group of Friends in a committee to try again to settle the
matter; if there is still no resolution, Friends can bring the issue before
the entire meeting for business. This communal practice enables us to sit
in prayer and allow God to wash over us with love, as we look for the
transformation within ourselves. New York Yearly Meeting has offered gospel
order to Glenn R, his response is to broadcast accusations, through e-mails and a blog.

As the New York Yearly Meeting moves through issues and concerns about
privacy and the way information is transmitted, may we all be under the
weight of not engaging in fruitless public debate which hampers the Spirit.

We fully support the New York Yearly Meeting staff for their good works,
faithfulness, and care. Please continue to hold them in the Light as they
model integrity, courage, and groundedness in their faith.

We thank you for your patience and prayers in this matter. Please feel free
to contact Clerk and Clerk, M&C Coordinating Committee with comments or questions.

(name removed), Clerk, New York Yearly Meeting
(name removed), Coordinating Committee on Ministry and Counsel

You are receiving this because you are on the New York Yearly Meeting
global e-mail list. To be removed from this list please send an e-mail to
NYYM Spark Editor with "Remove" in the subject line.