On 15 Sep 2007 at 10:39, David Friedman wrote:
> My question is, are those
> who weren't present and disagreed to try and change the decision by a
> re-vote when they are there, or are they to be silent,
A member who is silent is not fulfilling his or her duty as a member.
It is not a question of whether 5 members support a decision or not:
if 8 members support it and one thinks otherwise, that one has a duty
to contribute his or her input to the consultation.
Nevertheless, a legally valid decision of the assembly, including one
supported by only 3 members, is binding in practice until a later
decision changes it. To be legally valid, the meeting itself must be
a valid meeting of the assembly: all members of the assembly have to
be told that the meeting is to occur, in time, so that they all have
the chane to be present.
In the situation you suppose, the assembly members and the community
at large would also be free to express their ideas on the topic at a
19-day feast. The community requires unity in action: it does not
need a bunch of yes-men or silent non-supporters.
"The members thereof [i.e., of the assembly] must take counsel
together in such wise that no occasion for ill-feeling or discord may
arise. This can be attained when every member expresseth with
absolute freedom his own opinion and setteth forth his argument.
Should anyone oppose, he must on no account feel hurt for not until
matters are fully discussed can the right way be revealed. The
shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing
opinions. If after discussion, a decision be carried unanimously well
and good; but if, the Lord forbid, differences of opinion should
arise, a majority of voices must prevail."
(Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 87)
Sen
----------------------------------------------------------------------
--
-- -- --
The influence of individual souls is and always will be beloved. For
the influence
of each soul is its fruit, and a soul without influence is considered
a tree without
fruit in the most great realm. Speak forth for the sake of God, and
spread the
cause for his sake. Do not look at whether others accept or deny,
but rather at
the service you are commanded to perform by God.
Baha'u'llah -- Tablet of the Son -- http://www-
personal.umich.edu/~jrcole/bahai/2001/bhson.htm
The information contained in this e-mail and any attachments thereto
("e-mail") is sent by the Johnson County Community College ("JCCC") and is
intended to be confidential and for the use of only the individual or
entity named above. The information may be protected by federal and state
privacy and disclosures acts or other legal rules. If the reader of this
message is not the intended recipient, you are notified that retention,
dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error please immediately
notify JCCC by email reply and immediately and permanently delete this
e-mail message and any attachments thereto. Thank you.
__________________________________________________
You are subscribed to Baha'i Studies as: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Unsubscribe: send a blank email to
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subscribe: send subscribe bahai-st in the message body to
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subscribe:
http://list.jccc.edu:8080/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=bahai-st
Baha'i Studies is available through the following:
Mail - mailto:[email protected]
Web - http://list.jccc.edu:8080/read/?forum=bahai-st
News - news://list.jccc.edu/bahai-st
Public - http://www.escribe.com/religion/bahaist
Old Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
New Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]
