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VOICES OF FAITH: WHAT SHOULD WE DO IF WE'RE UNHAPPY WITH CONGREGATIONAL LEADERS' DECISIONS?

In "Voices of Faith, religious leaders answer readers' questions.

BE OPEN TO POSSIBILITY

The Rev. Pat Rush, pastor, Visitation Catholic Church, Kansas City, Mo.: In 1968 Pope Paul VI issued his teaching "On Human Life," which restated the Catholic Church's prohibition of artificial birth control.

Knowing that many Catholics dissented from this prohibition, several national associations of Catholic bishops issued subsequent documents in which they advised those Catholics who, in conscience, disagreed. Catholics in disagreement were counseled to study the teaching thoroughly and carefully, pray over their disagreement, and remain open to the possibility of thinking more like the papal teaching in the future.

That remains good advice for any who dissent from teachings central to their religion.

If the disaffection is, rather, about a leader's priorities and strategies, then Jesus' steps toward reconciliation as outlined in Matthew's Gospel should be considered. First, take your dissatisfaction to the leader privately, and if you are ignored, go again, this time with others who share your objection.

If the concern is one of fraud, mismanagement or personal immorality on the leader's part, follow the previous steps, and if not satisfied, take your concern to the leader's superior, then, if no satisfaction is gained there, to the wider community. However, great caution should be used in judging others and in dividing the religious community.

Finally it is legitimate to ask oneself if the disagreement is significant enough to prompt one to redirect one's financial support to other charities with different leadership.

YOU HAVE EQUAL VOICE

The Rev. Duke Tufty, pastor, Unity Temple on the Plaza, Kansas City, Mo.: In most churches the congregation is the controlling voice. The majority sets principle and policy. The congregation elects a board of directors to oversee the functioning of the ministry and make sure the policies and principles agreed upon are being carried out. The board communicates the policies and principles to the minister, who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the church.

There are times at Unity Temple on the Plaza when an issue will come up and there is a difference of opinion. We follow the principle that no matter what the issue, there is only one answer or solution that is the absolute best for the church. Our job is to engage in debate, sound logic, spiritual principle and prayer to discover what the "absolute best" is.

Each person must be objective, flexible and tireless in the pursuit. The result is that the vast majority of decisions made by the board are unanimous and the congregation maintains its harmony. When the board members and the minister arrive at a meeting, it is recommended they check their egos at the door, where they will be well cared for, and they can pick them up on their way out.

As a member of the congregation you have an equal voice in what goes on. Don't be shy in using it.