Parlimentary Procedure for Synod 2002

Courtesy and Justice for All!

A very important responsibility of a synod delegate is understanding proposed resolutions that will be discussed and voted on at synod. Adopted resolutions can determine the direction of the church for the next 4 years and beyond.

Discussions during business sessions help bring clarity to proposed legislation. Every official and advisory delegate to synod is invited to take an active part in the business sessions by speaking for or against proposals that are debatable. Every official delegate has the privilege of voting for or against every resolution or motion.

Business sessions at synod will follow guidelines from Robert's Rules of Order. The following are some definitions and guidelines for participation:

"Parliamentary Procedure" is a set of rules for working together in a large group. It facilitates the efficient transaction of business, giving due regard for every member's opinion, to arrive at the general will on the maximum number of questions in a minimum amount of time. It protects the right of the minority to be heard and it's purpose is to promote cooperation and harmony.

"Order of Business" is the established sequence in which business is taken up during the session and is determined by the chair(s) and the parliamentarian.

• Delegates must be recognized by the presiding officer before speaking;
• A motion to take action must precede any discussion of an issue;
• Motions must be seconded by another to be discussed; (exception: resolutions or reports presented by a committee/ministry group do not need a second.)
• The presiding officer does not participate in discussion;
• Formal votes are taken by voice or ballot.

"Handling of a Motion"

Bringing a motion before the assembly

1. A delegate is recognized by the presiding officer and makes the motion ("I move that ...")
2. Another delegate seconds the motion (Seconder does not need to be recognized)
3. The chair states the question ("It is moved and seconded that ...")

Considering the motion

Delegates go to a microphone and ask to be recognized by the chair for debate on the motion. (chair may designate a microphone for those speaking for and another microphone for those speaking against and call on these alternately.) When debate ends:

1. Chair puts question to a vote, "The question is on the adoption of."

Further training in parliamentary procedure will be available for delegates early on the first day of synod prior to the official opening. A Parliamentary Motions Guide will be in each delegate's information packet and the Delegate's Handbook will further amplify this process.

Jim Pfaff of First Moravian, Greensboro will be the parliamentarian for Synod 2002.

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