By Dennis Clark, PPP
National ECW Parliamentarian

So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;

It will not return to Me empty,
Without accomplishing what I desire,
And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:11

Let all things be done decently and in order.
1 Corinthians 14:40

In the Spring 2023 issue of this publication, we spoke to the rising tide of incivility sweeping our nation, exemplified by acts of physical violence perpetrated against our fellows.  Sadly, this shows no signs of abating as we head into the hot summer months.

We recognize that ‘violence’ may take many forms.  Mr. Webster tells us it may mean the use of physical force which causes injury, abuse, damage or destruction.  It might also denote injury by distortion, infringement, or profanation.  It can also mean a vehement feeling or expression.

The word “profanation” is one which is rarely heard or used, although we see its effects more and more with each passing day.  It can be stated also as blasphemy, defilement, desecration, impiety, irreverence, or sacrilege.

This article will speak to this form of violence, more specifically as it relates to meetings which we attend.   It goes without saying that with the increasing use of social media as a means of communication, it becomes much easier to say things to others using words or innuendo than we might otherwise not say face to face.  However, as we allow ourselves to depart from dignity and love for others as we type, I wonder if this then cheapens the dialogue we use directly with one another when we speak?

Having served as a practicing parliamentarian for half a century I have seen and heard it all when it comes to interactions of members at meetings of all kinds.  We have served as parliamentarian for groups as diverse as the NRA and the National PTA; homeowner’s associations, various dog breed associations, church groups of all denominations, boards of directors of various business entities and the like.

For the most part, they all share one thing in common, however.  That is, each member has made a conscious decision to join the group.  Their motives for doing so may differ, their anticipation of what they hope to gain or what they wish to offer are their own.  Yet, each of us have attended meetings at which members, by their words or actions, would make a neutral, outside observer believe they were the bitterest of enemies, with nothing at all in common with one another.

The parliamentary authority which the National Association of Episcopal Women, as well as most other associations of members have adopted, is the latest issue of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.  We are now on the 12^th edition of that work.

This manual speaks to the proper behavior to be followed during debate on issues which come before assemblies when they hold their business meetings.  These issues come in the form of motions.  When a debatable motion is before the house one of the most important principles for members to know and thus to practice is this; members must not question the motives of other members during debate on any issue.

In other words, we must set aside individual concerns, and think about the best interests of the entire group.  We must assume that other members, who share the same interests as our own, having voluntarily and purposefully joined the association of like-minded individuals; that each of us are acting in its best interest.  Perhaps others have a different take on what actions should be taken or how they might be accomplished, however, they should NEVER discuss WHY they ought to be done.  If this rule is adhered to faithfully by each member and enforced uniformly and consistently by the chair, much of the rancor that we all too often experience can be alleviated.  Members must demand the rule be followed if the chair does not, for whatever reasons, require it.

Right and proper behavior in meetings should be the norm and not the exception.  If members exercise prudence and are circumspect in the words they speak in open forums, a society will be much more likely to achieve the objectives which members have sworn allegiance to upon their commitment to membership of the associations to which they belong.  If God’s work and God’s words are truly squared with our own, then, and only then, will all things be done decently and in order.