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Query #3 - Meeting for BusinessHow can we hold our Meetings for Business in the spirit of love, understanding and patient search for unity without becoming frustrated by differences of opinion or the pressures of time?How do we respond when no one else in the meeting seems to hold the views that we do on an issue? How do we respond to a dissenting minority? How do we share responsibilities among Friends in our meeting? How do we serve our meetings? In considering the Quaker Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business we observe that consensus building requires skills that are learned; and that the process, which assumes that no individual knows the absolute truth and that each individual let go of their personal agenda, is contrary to the ways of the broader culture. Because common ground and resolution of disagreement are found when individuals let go of personal ideas, the process demands that individuals move beyond “Me versus You” thinking. Though time is always limited it is important to take the time needed to allow the process to work. Rushing through business is seen to be counterproductive in almost all instances, and rarely is much lost in waiting. We find it best that we give the time necessary to matters of greatest weight, deferring consideration of lesser issues until time allows. In a process that seeks consensus we will sometimes find situations where a sole individual holds a dissenting opinion. How the individual responds to this often depends on the topic at hand. It is more easy to stand aside on matters of practicality; less so when the matter is one of principle. While everyone's opinion is important, it is also important that every individual earnestly participate in seeking the sense of the meeting. Yet there are times when a dissenting view held by a sole individual is the right view, and this makes it important that voice and consideration be given to all opinions. If an individual with a dissenting view shows too much acceptance of the majority there is a risk that the right view may go unheard. When there is disagreement it is important to communicate in ways that don't do disservice to our point of view. We need to trust that when we speak clearly, honestly, openly and lovingly, others will listen. We need to have faith that fighting for our ideas is unnecessary, and that putting them before the meeting is enough. |