Bold underlining indicate insertion ; [brackets indicate deletion.]
Whereas, bylaws must be written to direct the actions of future persons unknown to us at this time, and
Whereas, to be most effective, an agreement or covenant to which people are held accountable should have a specified scope, be achievable, and have criteria that are sufficiently detailed so as to be clear, and
Whereas, the covenants expressed in the proposed Article 2, though good as aspirational statements, do not have the characteristics for accountability stated above, and
Whereas, organizations, congregations and persons are always free to enter into, and be held accountable to, other covenants that do have the characteristics needed for accountability, and
Whereas, people and organizations found to be out of covenant are often excluded from a group, thus making the Inclusion clause an appropriate place for this amendment,
Be it resolved that the motion for the new Article 2 be amended as follows:
50 Section C-2.4. Inclusion.
51 Systems of power, privilege, and oppression have traditionally created barriers for persons
52 and groups with particular identities, ages, abilities, and histories. We pledge to replace
53 such barriers with ever-widening circles of solidarity and mutual respect. We strive to be
54 an association of congregations that truly welcome all persons who share our values. We
55 commit to being an association of congregations that empowers and enhances everyone’s
56 participation, especially those with historically marginalized identities.
No covenants or pledges expressed in Article II of these bylaws may, by themselves, be used as the basis for the Association or its member organizations to take punitive action against a congregation, organization, or person.