Guidelines for Membership Clearness Procedures
A person who feels ready to become a member of the Chapel Hill Friends Meeting begins by writing a brief letter stating the reasons for feeling drawn to take this step. The letter is addressed to the Clerk, who will then refer it to the Overseers committee. Overseers will in turn appoint a clearness committee for membership. The committee will be composed of four or more members of the Meeting, at least two of whom are members of Overseers.
Members of the clearness committee usually meet once without the applicant to clarify with one another their perceptions of clearness, the meaning of membership, and any concerns they might want to pursue in some depth. This is sometimes done just prior to the first meeting with the person requesting membership.
The clearness committee will meet several times with the person requesting membership to explore the meaning of membership, the commitments involved, and any other issues which may seem relevant.
The clearness committee may benefit by having one or more meetings without the applicant present to reflect with one another, share possible reservations and consider any need for further meetings with the person requesting membership.
When clearness is found, the committee brings the matter to Business Meeting, presenting the letter of request as well as its own written recommendation.
Should clearness not be reached, the person requesting membership is encouraged to explore the unresolved issues alone, with help from the clearness committee or other Meeting and non-Meeting resources.
Upon approval for membership by the Business Meeting, a welcoming committee will be formed from the Meeting at large to welcome and become better acquainted with the new member.
The convener of the clearness committee is responsible for presenting a short biography of the new member for publication in the newsletter and introducing him or her to the next convenient meeting for worship. The Clerk is responsible for ensuring that tokens of acceptance/recognition (e.g., subscription to Friends Journal) are presented to the new member.
Members of both the clearness and welcoming committees generally have a continuing responsibility for keeping in touch with the new member, reflecting the Meeting’s ongoing concern for his or her welfare.
These articles are from Resources
for Fostering Vital Friends Meetings
See also: the FGC Quaker Library
