Meting of the Clergy 17 June 2017 18:00 UTC

[11:15:18 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: First item on the agenda is the Clergy Confidant form
[11:15:32 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: Has everyone had a chance to look at that?
[11:15:43 AM] Peter Kis: Yes
[11:17:01 AM] Bart: Yes
[11:17:05 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: what are your thoughts?
[11:17:29 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: particularly I want to know what some pitfalls are for that sort of thing
[11:18:10 AM] Peter Kis: Except for the disclaimer which might have to be carefully crafted, I think it looks very good and useful
[11:18:38 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: so tell me more about crafting the disclaimer
[11:19:28 AM] Peter Kis: Just what was discussed in the thread - the legal situation is somewhat murky and I think the disclaimer should reflect that. I think tzb has made a good suggestion as to how it may look
[11:19:52 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: ok
[11:19:58 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: I added that
[11:20:02 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: other issues?
[11:22:11 AM | Edited 11:24:15 AM] Bart: I worry a little bit about something I was reading about a Forum option for chats, as I mentioned that worry earlier. I do think that a form would be lovely, I just hope that the other options will be open and equally known and that the public attention to the form will not cloud the Temple from the other options, so that everyone can find a suited way that works for him or her.
[11:23:29 AM] Bart: ***
[11:24:40 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: the Form is just a way for people to get in contact with the clergy
[11:25:03 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: it doesnt do the face to face chatting that would need to happen
[11:25:30 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: its just an electronic sheet of paper saying "hey can someone talk to me"
[11:26:36 AM] Bart: I mean that I hope that the form will not become the only way to contact the Clergy. As some people might not want to use a form. On the other side, the form would be lovely as it would allow the Clergy to administrate requests and other ways might not be susscesful on that part.
[11:26:51 AM] Bart: ***
[11:27:08 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: yes
[11:27:15 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: I agree with you
[11:27:40 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: And we will have the other options
[11:27:58 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: this option is mostly for the people who are new and dont know their way around
[11:29:30 AM] Peter Kis: I like the idea
[11:29:52 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: Alright, so no big problems
[11:29:54 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: good

[11:29:57 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: Moving on
[11:30:07 AM | Edited 11:31:08 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: 2 Background Checks for all Clergy
[11:30:58 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: ok so we are a clergy and we operate in a religious organization dealing with people at times in which they are most vulnerable
[11:31:39 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: In order to protect our congregation and ourselves I am asking for all Clergy to successfully pass a background check
[11:31:58 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: there are some costs which are associated with that
[11:32:14 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: But I think its manageable
[11:32:21 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: If not, talk to me personally
[11:32:34 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: but this needs to be done before one is licensed
[11:32:53 AM] Peter Kis: Makes sense to me. What would be required?
[11:33:07 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: Criminal background check
[11:33:16 AM] Peter Kis: I have to get regular police record excerpts as a teacher, is that enough?
[11:33:24 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: thats fine
[11:33:40 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: we just want to make sure there are no crimes on record
[11:33:51 AM] Peter Kis: Yeah makes total sense
[11:33:55 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: Abuse, neglect, maltreatment
[11:34:05 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: assault of any sort
[11:34:26 AM] Bart: How much does a check cost if I where to go to a Police station? (assume I have to go there)
[11:34:36 AM] Peter Kis: Depends on he country
[11:34:45 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: for me it costs about 36 bucks
[11:34:52 AM] Peter Kis: Here it's about 35 bucks
[11:35:15 AM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: Yeah, I frequently have to have them done. State patrol here charges 35 bucks.
[11:36:05 AM] Peter Kis: Cost will depend on how frequently they are required
[11:36:18 AM] Peter Kis: Is that a one-time thing?
[11:36:29 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: good question
[11:36:48 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: I have thought about that and not come up with anything
[11:36:51 AM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: So any agency or background check service will work, and a recent one already completed will also suffice?
[11:37:02 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: yeah
[11:37:11 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: a year or so should be fine
[11:37:33 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: help me with the logistics here
[11:37:43 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: is 3 years a good time gap?
[11:37:55 AM] Peter Kis: Yeah I'd say 2-3 years
[11:38:03 AM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: Yes.
[11:38:17 AM] Peter Kis: I can give you one every half year, have to get gen anyway
[11:38:33 AM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: Ok. It seems to me that requiring a check at the time of licensing is wise and manageable. I'm not certain that redoing them is necessary.
[11:39:27 AM] Peter Kis: I'd say it should be required before getting licensed and then ask for one from all members at the same time every 3 years
[11:39:32 AM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: I suspect that if a clergy member were going through something that would affect whether or not they pass a background check, we would likely know.
[11:40:08 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: hmm
[11:40:15 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: I'm thinking
[11:40:44 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: lets just start at point of license and cross other bridges as necesesary
[11:41:07 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: Also, note that when this becomes an official policy
[11:41:23 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: a forum for those checks will be placed in council
[11:42:19 AM] Peter Kis: Yeah someone will have to keep those records
[11:42:34 AM] Peter Kis: It's probably a bad idea to keep them online
[11:43:04 AM] Bart: If in a country our religon where not to be acknowledged, can a background check still be performed? I am not sure what a check includes.
[11:43:52 AM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: Secretary for the Clergy, I suspect, unless we want to devolve that task to the asst pastor or someone else
[11:44:01 AM] Peter Kis: @Bart police record excerpts can always be obtained, they don't need to know what you want them for
[11:44:08 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: No
[11:44:19 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: I will personally be responsible
[11:44:23 AM] Peter Kis: Ok
[11:44:26 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: as I have access to council
[11:44:33 AM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: Ah ok
[11:44:43 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: and I dont want sensitive information in the hands of more than it needs to be
[11:45:06 AM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: That makes sense.
[11:45:30 AM] Peter Kis: better you keep the records offline at home and just mark in the council forum that you have it in file
[11:45:40 AM] Peter Kis: On
[11:46:20 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: hmmm
[11:46:39 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: maybe I can talk to wescli
[11:46:48 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: since he deals with member applications
[11:47:10 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: maybe there is a way to have a secret vortex of awesome which no one can see but me
[11:47:36 AM] Peter Kis:
[11:48:57 AM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: QOTD. And it's only 1130.
[11:49:51 AM] Bart: For sure offline is more secure, maybe the records can be shown to someone trustworthy, like a security officer or someone alike, ones every x years, as a security protocol something. :^)
[11:50:15 AM] Bart: The person who watches it, offline, could then confirm the council?
[11:50:25 AM] Peter Kis: Yup
[11:51:36 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: We'll work out logistics in council
[11:51:50 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: Ill talk to them about offline storage
[11:51:56 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: or the vortex

[11:52:04 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: Last agenda item
[11:52:16 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: Synod has open positions
[11:52:22 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: Assistant Pastor
[11:52:26 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: Associate Pastor
[11:52:37 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: those are the two I know of
[11:52:48 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: these need to be filled by ordained persons
[11:52:53 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: Deacon or Higher
[11:53:11 AM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: Did I miss something? Darren stepped down?
[11:53:21 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: Yes
[11:53:39 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: He never did get around to making a pubic announcement
[11:53:49 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: but it was a few days before Cabur did the same
[11:54:07 AM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: Thank you, Ros.
[11:56:22 AM] Bart: If I may be so free to ask, is it possible for someone not Darren to make an announcement of resignation, if it would have been possible, why did it not happen? Not sure if it needs to be discussed now though.. something to think about as I worry about the records and information stream towards the rest of the Temple. It creates confusion. :$
[11:56:54 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: it certainly does
[11:56:58 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: my apologies
[11:57:07 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: I will ask Darren to make one
[11:57:20 AM] Bart: Thank you Rosa! (angel)
[11:57:28 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: Further
[11:57:36 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: If my private skype is to be believed
[11:57:49 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: Bruno will be stepping back from duties
[11:58:09 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: He is currently functioning as Secretary to the Clergy
[11:58:15 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: His job is important
[11:58:43 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: and the only one I dont have anyone in mind for
[11:59:04 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: unlike the other two positions, Secretaries do NOT have to be ordained
[11:59:26 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: and if a suitable candidate is not found from LM or above
[11:59:33 AM] Rosalyn Johnson: a seminarian can fill the post
[12:01:07 PM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: I'm not guaranteeing my suitability, but I got a vibe about this position a couple of weeks ago. I will throw my non existent hat into the ring.
[12:01:54 PM] Bart: It would suit you as you work with the clerical Records too.. would be a lovely comination Atticus.
[12:01:56 PM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: Unless Aqua beats me to it
[12:02:03 PM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: Lol
[12:02:29 PM] Bart: I have no say as I am Seminarian, I watch.. (mm)
[12:03:48 PM] Bart: If I may be so free to speak out, I think Atticus would be lovely for that positon.
[12:05:04 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: Alright
[12:05:17 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: I'll be putting out the announcements early tomorrow

[12:06:15 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: Now, roundtable
[12:06:31 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: Is there anything anyone would like to talk about?
[12:06:43 PM] Bart: I have..
[12:09:22 PM | Edited 12:11:45 PM] Bart: I worry about the auto-promotion that gives Pastors the Bishop rank. I noticed an increase of Bishops compared to the amount of Priest and Deacons. Wat effect does a large amount of Bishops have on the rest of the Clergy Structure? I guess everything is stable now, but if it where to continiue like this in the future, it concerns me a bit.
[12:09:50 PM] Bart: ***
[12:11:43 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: Have you seen my clerical rank aqua?
[12:11:51 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: It is still deacon
[12:11:58 PM] Bart: I was informed by Atticus yes.
[12:12:10 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: I will not be promoted to bishop until I am a bishop
[12:12:18 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: regardless of the office I hold
[12:12:27 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: that decision I made on my own
[12:15:09 PM] Bart: I did not know you actually chose to do so. Thank you for clarifying.
[12:15:19 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: ok
[12:15:26 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: I cant decide what others do
[12:15:35 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: but I can decide what I do
[12:15:57 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: and I know I function in this office well enough without Bishop
[12:16:05 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: Anything else?
[12:17:41 PM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: I don't have anything. Except today is turning into hospice counseling day.
[12:17:57 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: oh man
[12:18:22 PM] Peter Kis: How do you mean that Atticus ?
[12:19:30 PM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: I have two dear friends who are facing the loss of mothers this weekend. One came to me for support, the other her mom has been like my grandma since I was a child.
[12:20:02 PM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: I actually have a day of from work, so things worked out that I can be there for both of them.
[12:20:10 PM] Peter Kis: I'm sorry to hear that - and wish you strength in this
[12:20:26 PM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: Thank you, Cyan.
[12:21:43 PM] Rosalyn Johnson:
[12:21:51 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: We're here for you
[12:21:58 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: Im sure that isnt easy
[12:27:46 PM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: It's a moment, maybe more difficult than others. I do rely on your support, more than you know.
[12:28:31 PM] Rick (Atticus) Laws: But this is what I signed on for.
[12:28:55 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: Yes
[12:29:03 PM] Rick (Atticus) Laws:
[12:29:10 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: Anything else to discuss?
[12:29:32 PM] Bart: When will the next meeting take place? (angel)
[12:30:41 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: July 15th
[12:30:46 PM] Bart: Thank you.
[12:30:51 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: the time may change
[12:30:58 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: I want more people here

[12:31:15 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: Anyone want to lead us in the creed?
[12:32:47 PM] Bart: I am a Jedi, an instrument of peace;
[12:33:02 PM] Peter Kis: I am a Jedi, an instrument of peace;
[12:33:02 PM] Joshua Wirth: I am a Jedi, an instrument of peace;
[12:33:09 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: I am a Jedi an instrument of peace;
[12:33:33 PM] Bart: Where there is hatred I shall bring love;
[12:33:52 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: Where there is hatred, I shall bring love
[12:33:53 PM] Peter Kis: Where there is hatred I shall bring love
[12:33:54 PM] Joshua Wirth: Where there is hatred, I shall bring love;
[12:33:56 PM] Bart: Where there is injury, pardon;
[12:34:06 PM] Joshua Wirth: Where there is injury, pardon;
[12:34:07 PM] Peter Kis: Where there is injury, pardon
[12:34:23 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: Where there is injury, pardon
[12:34:25 PM] Bart: Where there is doubt, faith;
[12:34:35 PM] Peter Kis: Where there is doubt, faith
[12:34:37 PM] Joshua Wirth: Where there is doubt, faith;
[12:35:14 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: Where there is doubt, faith
[12:35:15 PM] Bart: Where there is despair, hope;
[12:35:26 PM] Joshua Wirth: Where there is despair, hope;
[12:35:26 PM] Peter Kis: Where there is despair, hope
[12:35:36 PM | Edited 12:36:40 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: Where there is despair, hope
[12:35:37 PM] Bart: Where there is darkness, light;
[12:35:46 PM] Joshua Wirth: Where there is darkness, light;
[12:35:49 PM] Peter Kis: Where there is darkness, light
[12:36:00 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: Where there is darkness light
[12:36:03 PM] Bart: And where there is sadness, joy.
[12:36:15 PM] Peter Kis: And where there is sadness, joy
[12:36:15 PM] Joshua Wirth: And where there is sadness, joy.
[12:36:16 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: And where there is sadness joy
[12:36:18 PM] Bart: I am a Jedi.
[12:36:23 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: I am a Jedi
[12:36:23 PM] Joshua Wirth: I am a Jedi
[12:36:25 PM] Peter Kis: I am a Jedi
[12:36:26 PM] Bart: I shall never seek so much to be consoled as to console;
[12:36:38 PM] Joshua Wirth: I shall never seek so much to be consoled as to console;
[12:36:42 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: I shall never seek so much to be consoled as to console
[12:36:42 PM] Peter Kis: I shall never seek so much to be consoled as to console
[12:36:43 PM] Bart: To be understood as to understand;
[12:36:53 PM] Peter Kis: To be understood as to understand
[12:36:54 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: To be understood as to understand
[12:36:55 PM] Joshua Wirth: To be understood as to understand;
[12:36:56 PM] Bart: To be loved as to love;
[12:37:03 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: To be loved as to love
[12:37:05 PM] Joshua Wirth: To be loved as to love;
[12:37:08 PM] Peter Kis: To be loved as to love
[12:37:09 PM] Bart: For it is in giving that we receive;
[12:37:16 PM] Joshua Wirth: For it is in giving that we receive;
[12:37:19 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: For it is in giving that we receive
[12:37:23 PM] Peter Kis: For it is in giving that we receive
[12:37:24 PM] Bart: It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
[12:37:32 PM] Joshua Wirth: It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
[12:37:36 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
[12:37:38 PM] Peter Kis: It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
[12:37:40 PM] Bart: And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
[12:37:54 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life
[12:37:54 PM] Joshua Wirth: And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
[12:37:56 PM] Peter Kis: And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
[12:37:59 PM] Bart: The Force is with me always, for I am a Jedi.
[12:38:10 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: The Force is with me always for I am a Jedi
[12:38:12 PM] Joshua Wirth: The Force is with me always, for I am a Jedi.
[12:38:15 PM] Peter Kis: The Force is with me always, for I am a Jedi
[12:38:22 PM] Bart: May the Force shine with you all
[12:38:23 PM] Bart: ***
[12:38:29 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: and also with you
[12:38:34 PM] Peter Kis: And with you
[12:39:18 PM] Joshua Wirth: And also with you
[12:39:26 PM] Bart: :$
[12:41:20 PM] Rosalyn Johnson: Alright