Listening to All

When a decision affects everyone, everyone ought to have something to say in that decision. That is the wisdom of the Rule of Benedict. It seems simple enough, but how often do we see it honored? In my church leadership circles, we were taught a few years ago to ask ourselves, "Who are the 'stakeholders'?" and then to inquire and consult with these persons. It seems simple enough, but how often have we all been, or seen, leaders who try to forge ahead and be the deciders on significant matters without sound conferencing among all who are affected? The reading in the Rule today reminds me of the old story about the tribal leader who was asked how he got his people to do what he wanted them to do, and he said, "I let them do what they want to do; otherwise. they would not follow me." I think that is a loose expression of the wisdom in the reading today: "Let the sisters and brothers give their advice." Then choose the path of the common good.


Chapter 3: On Calling the Brethren for Counsel
Whenever any important business has to be done
in the monastery,
let the Abbot call together the whole community
and state the matter to be acted upon.
Then, having heard the brethren's advice,
let him turn the matter over in his own mind
and do what he shall judge to be most expedient.
The reason we have said that all should be called for counsel
is that the Lord often reveals to the younger what is best.

Let the brethren give their advice
with all the deference required by humility,
and not presume stubbornly to defend their opinions;
but let the decision rather depend on the Abbot's judgment,
and all submit to whatever he shall decide for their welfare.

However, just as it is proper
for the disciples to obey their master,
so also it is his function
to dispose all things with prudence and justice.