Important Business and the Community's Counsel

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 counselis 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.

Today's reading from the "Rule of Benedict" is a solid bit of wisdom: leaders in communities of faith ought to listen to the entire body before making choices on important matters which affect everyone. Lately, we have needed to ask all of the congregation for their counsel with some frequency. We adopted and committed to the building campaign once again. We have consulted, and still need more consultation about, the questions related to levels of inclusion for gay and lesbian persons in Christian fellowship. We have before us now a community conversation that will continue more widely on May 27th, as we talk about one family's offer of the gift of stained glass windows for our sanctuary's northern windows. Soon, we will be describing and asking the community's opinions on our worship and ministry plans for the new academic year.

In a vibrant, faith community, listening well, speaking thoughtfully, and deciding prudently are all necessary practices. They are arts, and signs of loving community. In our community, of course, the only "Abbot" we have is the heart and mind of Christ. May God help us to hold on to his decisions, as they emerge from our gathered community's opinions, emotions and thoughts.