To Allow Parties to Delay Hearing to Await Commission Opinion

Official Workbook overture source text

10-19 
To Allow Parties to Delay Hearing  
to Await Commission Opinion 
Preamble 
Bylaw 1.10.18.1 (h) states: “If any part of the dispute involves a 
specific question of doctrine or doctrinal application, each party 
shall have the right to an opinion from the Commission on Theology 
and Church Relations. If it involves questions of const itution or 
bylaw interpretation, each party shall have the right to an 
interpretation from the Commission on Constitutional Matters. The 
request for an opinion must be made through the Dispute Resolution 
Panel or Review Panel, which shall determine the wor
ding of the 
question(s).” 
WHEREAS, The dispute resolution reconciler is not required to 
forward the request for the opinion without modification; and 
WHEREAS, A requested opinion may not arrive before the dispute 
resolution hearing; and 
WHEREAS, The question, “Can a laywoman on her own authority 
command a clergyman not to write a letter?” was the core issue in 
the complaint; the letter truthfully reported the action of the 
leadership to the congregation; and the dispute resolution reconciler 
ruled the accusation valid grounds for discipline; therefore be it 
Resolved, That a p arty may postpone a hearing until the 
requested opinion is received. 
Circuit 3 (Baltimore East) 
Southeastern District 
Ov.