Council Notes
May 22 Council Meeting

Held at Our Lady Help of Christians, Newton, MA Submitted by VOTF Secretary Cathy Fallon

Gail Pohlhaus, of Wayne, Penn., one of our farthest-afield regular attendees at Council and at the Structural Change Working Group, led the Council in a heart-felt prayer.

Moderator Maura O'Brien recognized new representatives.

President's Report
Jim Post presented his President's report in which he reviewed events since the last Council meeting, including Bishop Daily's lifting of the ban of VOTF in Brooklyn.. Several articles on VOTF will be released in the days leading up to the June Bishop's Conference in St. Louis, Mo. Early in May the Boston Globe published a poll in which 60 percent of respondents gave a favorable or very favorable rating of VOTF. The First Annual Report of Voice of the Faithful's activities will be sent to all 302 Bishops, inviting them to be in dialog with affiliates in their region. Jim Post reminded representatives that the liturgy for a Mass of Rededication is available for affiliate use on the VOTF website under Prayerful Voice. Forthcoming articles on VOTF will appear in the National Catholic Reporter ("Trust, Truth and the Catholic Church"), The Tablet, and Commonweal. Several National Policy Forum conference calls have taken place.

Susan Troy presented the Governance Committee Report. The Committee recommended enhanced support for the Council and plans for overcoming geography as a barrier to participation. The Committee addressed the issue of email voting as a goal and sought input on what effect that might have on the quality of decision-making. The Committee also called for a comprehensive review of guidelines, asking for "rules junkies" to step forward. In addition they noted the demand from affiliates for minutes that capture the nature of debates at Council be posted.

Susan reviewed the accomplishments and obstacles faced by the Governance Working Group. Areas still in need of review are updating the By-Laws and Elections. Clarification between the national and regional VOTF needs elucidation-- Job descriptions and lines of authority need to be drawn clearly, differentiating management from policy making and implementation. The SCWG is committed to improving communication, openness and transparency between the Governance Committee, officers and working groups.

Recommendations
The Governance Study Committee recommended that it be disbanded and that expanded membership reconvene the committee. The Committee further recommended the establishment of a permanent subcommittee for by-laws and elections. GSC members are invited to join.

Mary Hogan spoke in favor of an extended membership base and clarity in who is responsible to whom and for what. She felt Governance is one of the most interesting and hopeful groups. By clarifying our system of governance we can create a sustainable organization.

Steve Krueger presented a Financial Report that showed our solvency, with assets approaching $300,000. Revenue had been down during April, but accounts are running ahead of budget thanks to successful efforts of the Development Committee and two substantial gifts received.

Gail Pohlhaus announced that VOTF will be discussed at the Catholic Theologians Society meetings.

Bob Ott spoke to an article seeking clarification of the terms of office for the original steering committee members. The question will be addressed by the Governance Committee and presented at the June Council.

John MaGilligan of the Needham, MA affiliate spoke to a motion to recommend by name four priests of the Archdiocese of Boston to be considered as Archbishop of Boston. Margaret Roylance offered an amendment to the motion proposing that pastors known for their openness and pastoral skills be seriously considered for the position of diocesan bishop. The amendment did not pass by a two-thirds vote (21 voting aye, 27 voting nay, no abstentions). The main motion failed on a voice vote. President Jim Post then asked for a sense of the meeting that there be local lay input into the selection of bishops. This sentiment met with unanimous voice approval.

Gail Pohlhaus led the group in a concluding prayer after which the meeting was adjourned.

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