Friends General Conference

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Dealing with Conflict Situations – October 12, 1976

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Minutes Details: 

In response to the directive of Monthly Meeting from June 1976 as to how we should deal with conflict situations, Ministry & Counsel presented the following minute:

Growing out of the conviction that there is that of God in every person, it has been characteristic of Friends at their best to respond with endeavors for reconciliation In conflict situations. In such situations, the range of differences may extend from genuine, simple differences of direction (opinions) to actual struggles fro power. Friends have found that in the presence of meeting for worship, the partial and egoistic impulses quiet down and provide opportunity through holy expectancy for unforeseen creative outcomes. Therefore the procedure which Ministry and Counsel recommends for dealing with matters of conflict brought before the meeting is a called meeting for worship. Since “the spirit moveth where it listeneth,” the way should be open for whoever feels the need to take the initiative to consider with Ministry and Counsel the calling of a meeting for worship which would be available to all who share or are involved in the concern. The role of the Meeting in a situation of conflict is one of spiritual support of those who are involved, especially of our members, attenders and others who specifically seek support from the Meeting in following the light within them.

A lengthy period of time was taken up with Friends expressing their views and thoughts about this minute. Ministry and Counsel stated that the proposal is not Intended to be a discussion or a search for detail. It is offered for guidance and reconciliation. Because each conflict situation Is unique, the committee felt that the Minute from Ministry and Counsel couldn’t become specific without becoming irrelevant. Monthly Meeting agreed to accept the minute from Ministry and Counsel and thanked them for their work. 

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