By PeterCM/FM 5/03

Dear Family,

We love you and are so thankful for your dedication and obedience to our Husband and Lover to go into all the world and preach His Gospel to all. You have truly changed the world through your love for the lost and use of the spiritual gifts and tools Jesus has given us to bring in His lost children in these Last Days. Your faith to get His sheep activated is steadily expanding and having a great effect on many as they are brought closer and strengthened through the program. God bless you!

Our Love Charter has now been in effect for nearly eight years! It has proven to be a blessing not only to the progress of the Family as a whole, but to each individual Family member's fulfillment and happiness. And though we've had to make amendments from time to time as we move forward with the Lord's new visions and direction, the basic constitution continues to stand strong, helping us stay unified as we march forward to a clear sound of the trumpet.

After some years of counseling and praying and seeking the Lord about some needed changes in the Family and consequently the Charter, we are now announcing the following Charter amendments that will take effect immediately. The reason for putting these amendments in a GN rather than in an LNF as we have done in the past is because there are some major changes concerning alcohol consumption, age of consent for sexual relationships, and disciplinary measures.

The Lord indicated we should share the reasoning behind some of these major changes as well as highlight the cautions our Husband has given concerning these matters, which we will do here. We will explain the changes and amendments one by one in this GN.

We hope to reprint the complete Charter with all the updates and amendments as soon as we can.—Lord willing, sometime this year. This next edition of the Charter will also include the Family Board Handbook within the same volume. Some of the changes that are being made in the Charter are due to the inclusion of the boards in the administration of our Family. As you'll see when looking over a number of the following amendments, reference is made to the Family boards and some of the functions of the different councils that are related to the boards.

The amendments presented here refer to the numbering and order of the present Charter version to help you see where they fit in. In cases where a new Charter clause has been written, we have indicated the new root clause letter with the symbol '#.' After we finish going through the Charter to insert these amendments and update any of the places where it will refer to the board structure, the numbers and cross-references will be updated as well and may be different.

Please continue to pray that we can finish this major Charter updating soon so we can get it to the printer and out to you as soon as possible.

1. Definitions and Explanation of Terms

The following terms are now used in the Charter and therefore have been added to the "Definition of Terms" in the front of the Charter.

Central Reporting Office (CRO): formerly the Continental Reporting Office, where Homes send their monthly TRFs, tithe, 1% FAF gift, and 3% Continental Common Pot contribution.

Continental Council (CC): the teamwork of continental officers overseeing a continental area.

Rules and Clearance Council (RCC): formerly the Area Office, now the Visitation and Shepherding national board, along with the chairperson of the VS regional board, make up the Rules and Clearance Council for that national area. The RCC, in conjunction with the Continental Council, depending on the situation, handles all clearance requests and investigation and/or application of disciplinary measures within their national area. Countries with more than one RCC will create a single clearance committee with members from each of the RCCs to handle clearances to their area from outside the country.

(Note: The responsibilities of the Clearance and Disciplinary Committees mentioned in the Family Board Handbook have now been combined and are part of the responsibilities of the Rules and Clearance Council.)

Excommunication: a disciplinary action excluding a member from being a CM or FM Family member and disallowing the excommunicated member from receiving all but GP/DFO Family literature. The Continental Council can also disallow contact with Family Homes.

Probationary Status (PS): a disciplinary measure administered to Charter members by the Rules and Clearance Council for serious Charter infractions. Repeat offenders may be subject to excommunication. Probationary Status allows for continued membership but the loss of a number of membership privileges as outlined in the "Procedures for placing a Member on Probationary Status."

Home Censure (HC): formerly referred to as Probationary Status, the discipline of Home members for minor Charter infractions, administered by the Home.

Metropolitan Area: large city or urbanized area including adjacent suburbs and towns. Metropolitan areas in question may be defined by the Continental Council.

Closed Metropolitan Area: a metropolitan area where the opening of further Homes is not permitted without CC approval.

Sexual Act: (A) genital contact; (B) contact between the mouth and the genitals; (C) the intentional touching of the genitals with an intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.

Sexual Contact: The intentional touching of the intimate parts of another person with an intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.

Sexual Interaction: Anything sexual done with another person. This includes sexual acts, sexual contact and deep kissing.

2. Temporary Suspension of Alcohol Rules

Over the past years there have been numerous requests to change the present alcohol rules in the Charter. There have been a variety of reasons given for wanting the change—some good, others not—but each time it was discussed and prayed about at the various summit meetings, the Lord said not to change it. At the last summit, the topic was once again discussed and prayed about, and this time the Lord gave His okay to make some changes. This led to a great deal of discussion and further prayer at the summit. All sides of the issue were debated and a general consensus was reached.

In the months following the summit, the Lord began to give the "Conviction vs. Compromise" messages, and He showed us that we should wait until after folks had made their choices before making any change to the alcohol rules. Throughout this past year, those of us who have chosen to live the discipleship life of Charter membership have renewed our commitment to the Lord and the Family. We're here because we want to serve the Lord with all of our hearts; this is our calling and we are committed. The Lord has now shown us we can go ahead and address the issue of the alcohol rules, because the CM Family is stronger now than it has been over the past years.

Our current alcohol rules were put in place to ensure that Family members are moderate in their consumption of alcohol, especially in the amount of alcohol members may drink in one sitting. On the whole, it has accomplished this goal. Generally speaking, alcohol has not been a problem within the Family. From time to time some people drink a bit more than is allowed either in one sitting or throughout the week, but for the most part with no ill effects. It seems that the majority of Family adults have developed a mature attitude toward drinking; they drink moderately and seldom go overboard. Because of this, we feel that a change can be made in order to allow for more flexibility and freedom in regards to alcohol consumption for those 21 and over.

Of course, we realize that making changes that allow more flexibility with alcohol consumption has the potential to cause problems. While the majority may be able to handle the freedom, others will abuse it or yield to the temptation to overdrink. There are those few who are addicted to alcohol but have kept it in check because of the limits, but if more is allowed, might have severe problems. There will be those who drink more than they should, and it will result in words that should not have been said or actions that should not have occurred. In the end we know that some people may be adversely affected because of this change.

The main argument on the other side is that Family adults as a whole are mature and responsible enough to decide what and how much we should drink.—That we have to take full responsibility for every other aspect of our lives, so why not for our alcohol consumption.

The dilemma we faced when discussing and praying about the matter was whether it's worth it to make a change that you know will hurt some people. On the other hand, if 97% of our adults aren't going to have any problem with it, should they have to sacrifice the personal freedom because of those who may not be able to handle it?

After much prayer, discussion, and hearing from the Lord, we found what we believe is a workable solution: We will temporarily suspend the Fundamental Family Rules in regards to alcohol for those ages 21 and over, with some stipulations. The Charter allows for WS leadership to suspend parts or all of the Charter or the Fundamental Family Rules, so we are invoking this clause in the matter of alcohol consumption.

What this means is that during the time the Charter rules regarding alcohol are suspended, those of you 21 and over are now responsible for what you drink, how much you drink, and how often you drink alcohol. For those under 21, the alcohol rules in the Charter remain the same.

You must understand that this suspension is not a license to overdrink and abuse alcohol. The Lord and Dad have instructed and admonished us to be moderate in all things, and alcohol is certainly at the top of that list! As Christians and Charter members, we are responsible to be moderate in our alcohol consumption. This has not changed, and never will. Abusing alcohol can have serious effects not only on your own spiritual, emotional, and physical health, but it can also greatly affect the lives of those you live and interact with, not to mention your sample to those you minister to. This suspension of the present alcohol rules is an added responsibility in your life, and collectively how you adults handle that responsibility will determine if this suspension of the alcohol rule can continue.

We are not making this a permanent Charter change, but are allowing this suspension as an experiment to see if our Homes and adults can be trusted with this freedom. Within one year of this GN being published we will review the effects this change has had on the Family, and if it has borne bad fruit in our Family Homes or in the lives of individuals, we will not hesitate to re-institute the current Charter rules regarding alcohol. In this case, a lack of moderation on your part could affect many.

While we sincerely hope that each Family member affected by this change will act in a responsible manner, if you cannot handle this responsibility as it is intended and it bears bad fruit in your lives, or if there are serious abuses of alcohol because of this change, we will cancel this temporary suspension of the alcohol quotas and re-institute the Charter alcohol rules. So this means that each of you will need to be your brother's and sister's keepers to be sure you're all being moderate in your alcohol intake.

It is important that you understand that what this suspension means is that you who are 21 and over are now responsible for your own alcohol consumption—that you drink wisely and moderately without negative repercussions to yourself or others. This does not give you the right to drink alcoholic beverages in whatever quantities desired and as often as you want without regard to moderation. As in everything, you must be prayerful and seek the Lord about what you drink, when you drink, and how much you drink.

As explained earlier, there will most likely be some problems with drinking now that we've suspended the alcohol rules. Therefore, in addition to suspending these rules, we are adding a new rule to the Charter outlining the shepherding and handling of overdrinking and/or alcohol abuse. We are including these new rules in the Charter as a safeguard and a balance, to protect people from being harmed by those who may overdrink, and to help protect those who overdrink from harming themselves.

These new Charter rules put the responsibility on the Home and the Home teamworks to shepherd the alcohol consumption of those in their Homes, to ensure that abuse of alcohol does not occur. If a member overdrinks, despite his or her Home teamwork's admonition not to do so, a majority vote of the Home council can mandate that the member either limit his or her alcohol consumption, abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages, or they can place the member on Home Censure* if the offense warrants it. In addition, those found seriously or consistently abusing alcohol will be disciplined by the Rules and Clearance Council, using Probationary Status. (*Probationary Status and Home Censure are explained in detail further along in this GN.)

The VS boards also have the authority to take action if a Home member is abusing alcohol and the Home is not doing its duty in disciplining the offender. The Charter gives authority not only to the Homes and their teamworks, but also to the area or continental officers in this regard. So if a Charter member's drinking is hurting themselves, or if they are hurting others, or the drinking is causing problems in the Home and the Home is not disciplining the member, members of the VS board or the COs can personally intervene, and the Rules and Clearance Council will discipline the individual and the Home if necessary.

What this means is that you personally are not the one who determines if you are overdrinking; your teamwork and Home make that decision. We have set it up this way to protect everyone involved, as often the person who is overdrinking is not aware of the negative effects the alcohol has on them and others. Therefore we have given the authority to the teamwork and the Home, as well as the VSs, or COs if necessary, to decide if someone is overdrinking.

In the past it was easy to define what moderation was or know if someone was drinking too much. If they were drinking over the quota, it was too much. However now, with the suspension of the alcohol rules, it's no longer a black-and-white matter. So how do you know if you are overdrinking and abusing the privilege of alcohol? Jesus said, "By their fruits ye shall know them." The fruit it bears in your life and in the lives of those around you will be what determines whether you are overdrinking or not.

The tolerance and reaction to alcohol varies from person to person. One person might have no negative effects and be able to easily handle an amount that for someone else with a lower tolerance to alcohol would be too much and cause them to endanger themselves or others, or be a bad sample. Just because someone drinks more, or more often than others, doesn't necessarily mean that person is overdrinking. On the other hand, if someone rarely drinks, but on the few occasions they do drink they drink much more than they can handle, just because they only drink occasionally doesn't mean that person is moderate.

Overdrinking cannot always be defined or judged simply by the amount of alcohol one has drunk, but more so by the effect. If an individual's drinking of alcoholic beverages causes them to become careless, angry, violent, foul-mouthed, depressed, withdrawn, unproductive, drunk to the point of being incoherent or getting sick, or they exhibit behavior that is a bad sample, offensive or hurtful, then the fruit borne in their lives is bad, and no matter how little they may think they drink, they are overdrinking. But if moderate drinking of alcohol, such as regularly having a glass of wine with one's meal or while fellowshipping with others, isn't bearing bad fruit in someone's life, then they are likely not overdrinking. You and/or your shepherds will need to judge the fruit in your life as a result of your drinking, and act accordingly.

Even if only a little alcohol bears bad fruit in an individual's life, they will have to refrain from drinking more than their tolerance level. If you can't determine your tolerance level yourself, your Home or shepherds will do it for you.

The temporary lifting of the Charter alcohol rules applies only to those 21 and over. It does not suspend the Charter alcohol rules for those under 21 years of age. Those 18 through 20 are just learning how to drink alcohol responsibly. Most young people also have a lower tolerance for alcohol than those who have been drinking for longer and have learned what their personal limit is. For 18- through 20-year-olds, the stipulations laid out in the "Food and Drink Rules" C. are still in effect. In other words, there is a maximum weekly limit for those 18 through 20, as well as a limit of 20% alcohol content for the types of alcohol consumed.

Following is a prophecy the Lord gave regarding the suspension of the alcohol rules with important points that you need to clearly understand:

(Jesus speaking:) My dear loves, I have continued to put new challenges before you. With those challenges I have also bestowed on you greater power and gifts. You are accountable for more truth, and I am moving you to a place of greater dedication and purer discipleship. Each of you is making choices on a daily basis, and according to your choices you are growing stronger or weaker in spirit. In order to keep moving the Family forward in spirit, and in order to prove the worth of My Endtime army, I continue to give you greater responsibility, greater freedom, and more personal choices. This responsibility, freedom, and personal choice provide an avenue for spiritual growth.

This suspension of the alcohol rules is part of My plan to allow you another opportunity to show your maturity, to prove your desire to stay close to Me, and to exercise moderation in your personal lives, and thereby avoid weakening your testimony as Christians and disciples. I am pleased that you have this opportunity, as I know it will bring many of you joy. I have led your shepherds to give you this liberty on a temporary basis; this is a blessing from Me, and a test at the same time.

Drinking alcohol can be an avenue of fellowship, relaxation, and fun. It can bring variety and a little boost to social activities. It can complement a meal, aid digestion, and bring about a winding down of tension and stress. It can enhance sexual pleasure or promote lively conversation. These are good things. This is part of the fellowship and personal interaction that I allow you to enjoy. There is nothing wrong with this, and in this way, drinking alcohol can be a good thing, a blessing, and a special treat for My children.

Many of you have proven yourselves faithful to abide by reasonable limits when drinking. In fact, most of you have done well. You have avoided the pitfalls of overdrinking, and you have enjoyed the benefits of alcohol without having to suffer the many problems that come with drinking too much. But now that I have lifted the rules, now that you will no longer be hedged about by specific limits, it will be up to each of you to be very prayerful, careful, and wise. Now there's no one standing over your shoulder telling you exactly what you can or can't do. You will make personal choices, and you will have to live with the consequences, good or bad.

I have enumerated the benefits of alcohol, and most of you know them well from personal experience. But there are also serious dangers that I must warn you of. This is not with the intent to snatch the joy from your parties and personal fellowship, but to help you enter into this time of freedom with more wisdom and a greater understanding of what could go wrong and how alcohol can become a burden or even a curse if not handled well. Some of the pitfalls or possible dangers of drinking too much alcohol are:

* Wasted time. You might have good intentions and plans to do some important work or to get Word and prayer time, but after a few beers or a couple of glasses of wine, the time can easily slip right through your fingers. Because alcohol encourages conversation and interaction, you might find yourself wasting a lot of precious time just chatting and sitting around shooting the breeze. That is time that could be better spent ministering to your sheep, having quality time with your children, taking care of your mail ministry, planning your next day's activities, having fruitful pre-planned Home meetings, tending to the needs of your mate, or going to bed early so you can get up early for your quality Word time, as per your commitments to Feast 2003. Time can also be wasted if you wake the next day feeling hung over, sick, headachy or just generally unwell. What could have been a very productive, fruitful, happy day can then become a fight to just "get through it."

* People can be hurt by unprayerful, out-of-control, unloving conversations. Alcohol encourages talking and can enhance a party or get-together, but if drunk in excess it can cause you to say things you never intended to say, possibly things you don't mean at all. People naturally become less prayerful and more uninhibited when they've drunk too much, and many times regret what they said or did the next day. When you're sober, even if you apologize to the person you offended, the hurt often remains. Such hurtful comments, said even in jest, are a very sad but unfortunately very common happening when people drink too much. Also, such conversations that are out of the spirit can focus on subjects that are unedifying—commonly such things as movies, computer games, ungodly sexual practices or fantasies, and other interests that are not becoming of a full-time disciple.

* Alcohol causes some people to become angry, even violent or abusive. When under the influence of alcohol some people get in a bad mood, or actually yield to bad spirits. This often results in arguments and sometimes even abuse. Such behavior can destroy your relationship with the ones you love, and if serious enough, could cost you your Family membership.

* Alcohol can cause you to lose touch with reality, throw all caution to the wind, and just live for the moment. While alcohol can enhance sexual pleasure and cause some people to become more sexually responsive or free, it can also cause some to lose touch with reality, which means they throw all caution to the wind and just live for the moment. This can cause hurt to others if you have sex with someone else's mate or boyfriend/girlfriend without abiding by the Law of Love. Also, this momentary sense of "freedom" can result in unplanned pregnancies, which will change your life permanently in a very big way.

* Alcohol creates a feeling of "there are no alps." This can be extremely dangerous, even deadly, if someone reaches that state and then drives. While you're sober you might be very well aware of the fact that alcohol impedes your ability to drive safely, but when you've drunk alcohol, it's very common for people to say, "Oh, I'm fine, really!" But the sad truth is that millions are killed on the highways every year by those who have drunk alcohol, those who think they're fine, those whose reflexes and attention span have been impaired just enough to make the difference between safety and disability or death! If you don't take the drinking and driving rules seriously, you could be one of those people.

* Alcohol is expensive, and if you are not careful and diligent, you could find yourself or your Home spending money on drinking that should be spent on more important things. This could result in your children, PG mommies, teens, or others going without the important needs or special blessings that I want to provide for them.

* Alcohol can cause your sheep to be stumbled if not handled in a responsible way. Most of the world's population does not expect Christians to drink alcohol. Most Christians who sincerely belong to churches do not drink; it's part of their religious convictions. While I do not impose that restriction on the Family and you have faith to enjoy alcohol, you must realize that if you overdrink, it can very seriously tarnish your testimony as a Christian. If you're foolish, foul-mouthed, overly sexy, negligent, irresponsible, negative or depressed, or any of the many bad side effects that come with drinking too much, your sheep could be stumbled to the point that you'll lose them altogether; they'll go somewhere else where the people act more in line with what they feel is expected of dedicated Christians.

So you see, My dear Family, while drinking alcohol can be a blessing, there are many possible dangers and risks as well. I'm trusting you with this privilege, but remember, it's a test. This is a temporary lifting of the rules, and whether this continues will be up to each of you. I'm asking you to be your brother and sister's keeper. I'm asking you to let Me help you handle this freedom wisely. You do this by asking Me everything, confirming My will, and being open to shepherding and advice from others.

Think of Me as your friendly bartender, the one who watches out for you and loves you, and when you reach for another drink or another can of beer, if I say, "Ooops, you're feeling good now, that means you've had enough! Drinking more will not make you feel better, but only make you feel bad and say or do things you wish you hadn't," take My Word for it. Then you'll enjoy this privilege, it will bring you pleasure and good fellowship, and you won't have to suffer hurt, embarrassment, and regrets from overdrinking. (End of message from Jesus.)

Addition to "Food and Drink Rules"

The responsibility is on the Home and the Home teamworks to shepherd the alcohol consumption of those in their Homes, to ensure that abuse of alcohol does not occur. If a member overdrinks, despite his or her Home teamwork's admonition not to do so, a majority vote of the Home council can mandate that the member either limit his or her alcohol consumption, abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages for up to three months, or they can place the member on Home Censure if the offense warrants it.

The VS boards also have authority to take action if a Home member is abusing alcohol and the Home is not doing its duty in disciplining the offender. The Charter gives authority not only to the Homes and their teamworks, but to the area or continental officers as well in this regard. So if a Charter member's drinking is hurting them, or if they are hurting others, or the drinking is causing problems in the Home and the Home is not disciplining the member, members of the VS board, or the COs, can personally intervene and the Rules and Clearance Council will discipline the individual and the Home if necessary. Those found seriously or consistently abusing alcohol will be disciplined by the Rules and Clearance Council, using Probationary Status.

How do you know if you are overdrinking and abusing the privilege of alcohol? Jesus said, "By their fruits ye shall know them." The fruit it bears in your life and in the lives of those around you will be what determines whether you are overdrinking or not.

The tolerance and reaction to alcohol varies from person to person. One person may have no negative effects and be able to easily handle an amount that for someone else with a lower tolerance to alcohol would be too much and cause them to endanger themselves or others, or to be a bad sample. Just because someone drinks more, or more often than others, doesn't necessarily mean that person is overdrinking. On the other hand, if someone rarely drinks, but on the few occasions they do drink they drink much more than they can handle, just because they only drink occasionally doesn't mean that person is moderate.

Overdrinking cannot always be defined or judged simply by the amount of alcohol one has drunk, but more so by the effect. If an individual's drinking of alcoholic beverages causes them to become careless, angry, violent, foul-mouthed, depressed, withdrawn, unproductive, drunk to the point of being incoherent or getting sick, or they exhibit behavior that is a bad sample, offensive or hurtful, then the fruit borne in their lives is bad, and no matter how little they might think they drink, they are overdrinking. But if moderate drinking of alcohol, such as regularly having a glass of wine with one's meal or while fellowshipping with others, isn't bearing bad fruit in someone's life, then they are likely not overdrinking. You and/or your shepherds will need to judge the fruit in your life as a result of your drinking and act accordingly.

Even if only a little alcohol bears bad fruit in an individual's life, they will have to refrain from drinking more than their tolerance level. If you can't determine your tolerance level yourself, your Home or shepherds will do it for you.

3. The Age of Consent

Presently the Charter states: "Those who are 18, 19 and 20 years old are allowed to engage in sexual activity with Charter members up to seven years older than themselves, as well as those within this age bracket. …" However, many 18- to 20-year-olds have asked for the freedom to share sexually with others who are more than seven years older than they are. After a lot of prayer, discussion, and counseling with the COs and asking the Lord in prophecy, it has been agreed upon to amend the Charter to allow those 18 years of age and above to have the option of sharing sexually with whomever they choose, providing that person is 18 years of age or older, and as long as it is done according to the Law of Love. Those 18 through 20 will retain the right to share with those 16 through 20 in accordance with the "Sex and Affection Rules," E.

This was a very prayerfully made decision, as it means that those over 18 are now free to share with anyone 18 and over. In the past, this choice was only available for those 21 and over. The intent of not allowing 18- through 20-year-olds the freedom to share with those more than seven years older than themselves was one of protection. When the Charter was first implemented we felt it wise to have the seven-year rule in place for those in the 18- through 20-year-old age range so they would not have to deal with requests for dates from those more than seven years older. It can be awkward and difficult for a young woman in this age range to decline a request for sex, but if the request comes from someone who is significantly older, it's even more difficult. So in an attempt to make it easier for this younger age group, the seven-year rule was established.

While this still holds true today, there were enough requests to change this rule that it was discussed and prayed about. One of the main arguments for making the change is that 18-year-olds are considered adults in most countries of the world, and 18 is generally the age of consent for sexual relations with other adults. Because of this, it was argued that our 18-and-overs in the Family should be considered full adults like their counterparts in society. It was further argued that our 18- through 20-year-olds have all the same freedoms and responsibilities of adults within the Family and in society, and that they should have this freedom and responsibility as well. After a lot of prayer and discussion, it was decided to make this change in the Charter.

However, it's important for everyone to understand that just because this age group is being given this choice, it doesn't mean they must exercise it. This is not a call for all 18- through 20-year-olds to have sex with those older than them; it's just giving them the right to do so if they wish. The key words here are "if they wish." You young folks do not need to feel that because of this change you are expected to have sex with those who are older than you. You do not have to have sexual relations with anyone you don't wish to, no matter what their age.

Some of you young men in your later twenties can be fairly demanding with the younger women, as can some of you older men. This change was not made to expand your pool of available women, but rather to allow this younger age group, both men and women, to have the choice of whom they wish to have sexual relations with, without the previous age restrictions.

You young adults should not consent to have sex with someone who you don't really want to have sex with. You can say no to whomever is asking, no matter who they are or what age they are, if you don't want to have sex with them. If someone is continually asking, or trying to make you feel bad, or inferring that you are not being loving or revolutionary or sacrificial, then they are wrong and are contravening the Charter. The Charter says in "Sex and Affection Rules," D., "…sex may only occur between consenting partners… . If a sister or brother does not want to share sexually with someone, they should not be coerced into doing so. If you wish to have a date with someone, and they do not wish to have a date with you, then you should not try to make them feel that they are not being 'sacrificial.' Perhaps you need to be more sacrificial by forgoing the date with them."

If someone says no to your request for a date, then please accept that no, and don't continue to ask the person for a date. Chances are that if they say no without any indication that it would be OK for you to ask again, then you should stop asking. If they later decide they would like to have a date with you, they can ask you. It's difficult for a younger inexperienced person to say no, so when they do, please accept it graciously and be loving and understanding.

If you younger, less experienced adults are uncomfortable with someone asking you for sex, or if someone has asked you and you feel awkward refusing, or if you have any questions or problems about it, then please talk to your shepherds or some other adult who you feel can help. Don't just go ahead with the sex because you don't know how to get out of it. Ask for help. No one expects you to be able to handle every situation, so seek counsel and help if you have any questions.

When asking our Husband if the age of consent should be 18 years of age, He gave the following counsel: (Note: When the Lord refers to YAs, young adults, or young brides in the message that follows, He's specifically referring to those between 18 and 20 years old.)

(Jesus speaking:) Have I not said that according to your faith be it done unto you? Have I not given you, My brides, that majesty of choice? This is the day of each Family member taking responsibility for their decisions and actions, and being accountable to Me, to themselves, and to the Family. Many of My young brides, those 18 through 20, desire to take more responsibility for their decisions. These have grown and are no longer children, and they wish to live life to the full as responsible adults. They have signed the Charter member contract and have made a decision to be My disciples and give their lives to Me. They have given Me their all, and as their loving Husband, King, and Savior I wish to grant them the desire of their heart to make their own choices, according to their own faith, regarding their sexual interactions with other adults.

I will allow this change. Nevertheless, not everyone will desire to act on this kind of freedom at such a young age, and I do not wish to hurry them. I know each of My brides is very different. No two of them are the same. What one of My brides has the faith for, another may not. I do not wish to burden My young brides with more than they can handle or are able to bear.

I ask that you take into consideration those who are comfortable with the current restrictions on who they can share with sexually and who do not wish to accept the responsibility of broadening that range at this time. They want to learn and grow slowly and be educated without pressure from others. Give these ones time, so that they can, at their own pace and according to their own faith, gradually grow in faith and accept and receive greater responsibility and accountability.

I would that these dear ones be given every opportunity, every assistance, every possible listening ear, so that they can be counseled, instructed, and encouraged to study and show themselves approved unto God, rightly dividing the Word of truth. I would that these question and seek counsel, so they can learn from the experience of others. I do not wish for these to simply be pushed forward because of their age, but I wish for each one to make his or her own choice as to when to let go of the shore, according to the measure of faith that I have given them.

This age group should be encouraged to take their time, to strengthen each step that they take, to watch and pray. These young adults need to be sure of their decisions; they must take care that they're not yielding to peer pressure or allowing themselves to be coerced or looked down on, scoffed at, intimidated, or in any way labeled weak if they want to move at a slower pace. They should be commended for going slowly and proceeding and growing up prayerfully, wisely, and carefully. There should be no outside pressure, interference, teasing, or harassing, either from their peers or from those adults who are older than they.

All My adult brides must understand that this change is being made for the sakes of the young adults; and they must walk in the fear of Me in regards to their interactions with those who are beginning to venture out into the unknown. To hurt one of these ones due to a lack of love and lack of sensitivity to their desires to move at their own pace is a serious matter in My eyes, and I will hold those who break My Law of Love in this way accountable before Me and the Charter standard. Take heed and be warned!

For My YA brides who are more comfortable in taking bigger steps, who would like to have the same responsibility and accountability in these matters as My older brides, and who have the faith to meet disappointments and obstacles and not be deterred by them, this change will allow them the opportunity to be responsible for their choices and deeds in a greater way. If they are humble and learn and watch and pray, if they will continue to greatly depend on Me, just as much as those who would prefer to move slower also need to depend on Me, I can and will help each one to enter into this new change with positive experiences. But the angle of the climb will be steeper and their mettle will be tested more.

Regardless of what each of My brides has the faith for, I wish for all of My brides, young and old, to operate step by step; to continue to exercise the spiritual principle of squeezing, not jerking; to apply the stop, look, and listen principle; to look before they leap. These principles will need to be learned.

I allow My brides ages 18 through 20 to operate according to their faith. However, they need every assurance of help and safeguard; they need shepherding and counseling if they choose to go into these deeper waters. They must desperately seek Me for My will concerning this important step in their lives.

They should be encouraged to counsel with their shepherds, and their shepherds should look out for and feel responsible to monitor their progress. My shepherds have the responsibility to step in if they see a situation that is potentially damaging or beginning to go awry. Through checking in with Me and counseling, My shepherds should feel obligated and responsible to step in, to give guidance and counsel, checks, warnings and recommendations to these and any other adult involved, whether young or old. Those who are 18 through 20 should be encouraged to be very open to their shepherds, and also to bring these matters to Me and learn to take the responsibility of checking in and counseling with Me, their best Counselor and their Answer Man.

Let each one of My YA brides be fully persuaded in their own minds and hearts to operate according to their own faith. But also My shepherds need to be very aware and be loving shepherds, willing to monitor and step in to protect, counsel, or guide, if necessary. (End of message from Jesus.)

So although the Lord wishes to give this freedom to you 18- through 20-year-olds, He is strongly cautioning you to go slow, counsel with your shepherds, and to seek Him desperately on these important matters. There is no shame in your asking your parents, shepherds, and other experienced adults for counsel, and opening your hearts and minds to their wisdom and experience. Our Lover also strongly encourages you shepherds and other adults to be there for these younger adults as they venture into a wider area of sexual relationships. There is also a serious warning to any adult, young or old, who would pressure, interfere, tease, harass or coerce these younger ones into doing anything that they don't have the faith for. The Law of Love and the Charter Sex and Affection Rules will be upheld.

One last but extremely important point for you 18- through 20-year-olds (and all voting members) are some changes to the excommunication rules that you need to be very aware of. You have been given full adult freedom and responsibility, but that also means you have full adult accountability. As you will see as you read further in this GN, some of the rules regarding excommunication have changed. There is no partial excommunication; there is only full excommunication.

Please look over the excommunication rules carefully; especially in regards to sexual acts and sexual contact, as those definitions have been more clearly defined than the previous definitions used in the Charter. I want to make it very clear; in fact, I'll put it in bold type and all caps so you won't miss it. IF A RULE STATES  THAT  YOU  WILL  RECEIVE  EXCOMMUNICATION  FOR  BREAKING  IT, AND  YOU  GO  AHEAD  AND  BREAK  IT, YOU  WILL  BE  EXCOMMUNICATED and you will have to move out of your Home and will no longer be part of the Family. You will no longer be a Family member if you commit these excommunicable offenses.

This is not a new Family policy, nor are the rules which follow new rules, but since the way that these rules are presented in the Charter have changed, I want to be sure that you are aware of the changes, that you take them seriously and look over them.

4. Offenses Warranting Excommunication

To clarify the Family's disciplinary boundaries and procedures, we will no longer have what was previously referred to as "Partial Excommunication." There will only be full excommunication. Therefore, we are now placing some of the rules that previously used to result in Partial Excommunication into the "Offenses Warranting Probationary Status," while others will remain in the "Offenses Warranting Excommunication."

Since there is no longer partial excommunication in the Family, we have amended the "Offenses Warranting Excommunication" to reflect this. Breaking these excommunicable offenses will result in full excommunication unless stated otherwise.

Changes in "Offenses Warranting Excommunication"

It is our Bible-based belief that male homosexuality is ungodly. Family members will be excommunicated for engaging in such activities. This clause is purposely worded in this manner to make it very clear that it is strictly forbidden for men to have any kind of sexual interaction whatsoever with other men.

The Family prohibits those 21 years of age and older from engaging in any sexual act with those under the age of 18. Those 21 and over who engage in any sexual act with those under the age of 18 will receive excommunication unless the provisions in point 2 or 3 are judged applicable.

In the majority of the countries of the world, 16 is the age when a person may choose to have consensual sex with another person who has also reached the age of consent. In the Family, although we allow 16- or 17-year-olds to have sexual relations with those 18 through 20 (with the consent of their parents), we consider them still too young to engage in sex with those over 20. Thus it is an excommunicable offense for those 21 and over to engage in any sexual act with those ages 16 and 17.

If, however, the sex is consensual, since it would not be illegal in most countries, the age of those involved and circumstances surrounding the situation (such as the older member not being in a position of authority over the 16- or 17-year-old) will be taken into account and might result in Probationary Status.

Note: Allowing for the possibility of Probationary Status should not be viewed as tolerance toward those ages 21 and over having sex with those ages 16 and 17. It continues to be an excommunicable offense. A member 21 and over should not expect that he or she will receive Probationary Status for engaging in sexual acts with a 16- or 17-year-old.

This means that anyone 18 years or older who does anything sexual whatsoever with anyone under the age of 14 will be excommunicated.

This means that it is an excommunicable offense for anyone ages 16 and 17 to engage in a sexual act with anyone under the age of 14.

We chose the terminology "substance abuse" to cover the full range of possibilities, both legal and illegal drugs and intoxicants. Some drugs and intoxicants are not illegal, but the use of them is considered abuse. For example, sniffing glue or taking certain over_the_counter drugs for non-medical reasons can result in getting "high." Even though not illegal, those activities would be considered substance abuse. The severity of the offense will be taken into consideration and may result in a lesser discipline when recommended to the CC by the RCC.

Family members should not commit intentionally endangering or life-threatening violent acts for any reason, except in the rare case of trying to defend themselves, or others, or their property. For example, you may, of course, resort to the use of physical restraint or force if someone is about to bash you—or any innocent helpless person, for that matter—over the head with a bat, or is trying to grab your children or set fire to your property, etc.

It is understandable that from time to time we have questions or even doubts that we may need to have resolved by discussing them with someone. When such an occasion arises, you should feel free to openly and honestly share your heart with your shepherds so you can get the needed answers and prayer. Such matters are legitimate and need to be expressed, so it's perfectly acceptable to talk about your doubts or your criticisms with an appropriate shepherd when trying to get clarification or counsel, or express an objection to something that you're having a difficult time understanding or following. If you're doing it with the right attitude, and with the right people, whose job it is to try to answer and help you resolve your questions, as well as shepherd you through these things and help you overcome any misconceptions, then there's nothing wrong with it.

However, if you are speaking to members who are not the appropriate shepherds, and if after having been warned against it, you continue airing matters which result in the spreading of doubts or bringing about contention or division, this is unacceptable behavior and will warrant excommunication.

As stated before, the "Charter of Responsibilities and Rights" and the "Fundamental Family Rules" must be adhered to, obeyed, and followed by everyone if they wish to be Charter members, unless there is a special circumstance that prevents them from doing so.

Although it is understood that there will be special circumstances when certain rules can't be obeyed, if the special circumstances become the rule rather than the exception, and thus someone is continually breaking the rules, then they can be excommunicated, placed on Probationary Status, or reclassified to Fellow member status. Of course, some effort by the teamwork should first be made to help the erring member correct their behavior, including personal counseling, assigning them a reading list on the subject, or Home Censure, and so forth. If these efforts fail, the member should be recommended for excommunication, Probationary Status, or Fellow member status.

So if a member persistently disregards the "Charter of Responsibilities and Rights" and the "Fundamental Family Rules," they are in jeopardy of being excommunicated, being placed on Probationary Status or being reclassified to Fellow member status. The word "persistent" is defined as "persevering obstinately," and "disregard" is defined as "to pay no attention or heed to; to ignore." So if someone is stubbornly and obstinately paying no attention to or is willfully ignoring a clause in the "Charter of Responsibilities and Rights" or flagrantly disobeying a Fundamental Family Rule, after being corrected for it, then they will face excommunication, Probationary Status, or reclassification to Fellow member status, depending on the situation.

5. Probationary Status

Probationary Status, which up until now has been a disciplinary measure used by the Homes on errant members, has been renamed and will now be called "Home Censure." Anything you could previously be put on Probationary Status for, you can now be put on Home Censure for. Nothing has changed except the name. (See point nine on page 22.)

The term Probationary Status will now be used as a disciplinary measure for more serious offenses that you might have been partially excommunicated for in the past. Probationary Status will be administered by the Rules and Clearance Council.

New "Offenses Warranting Probationary
Status"

Charter members will be placed on Probationary Status for the following Charter infractions (those who blatantly disregard these rules or are repeat offenders will be in jeopardy of excommunication from the Family, or reclassification to Fellow member status in accordance with "Offences Warranting Excommunication," H.):

"The Classifications of Family Membership and Literature" clearly outlines who is permitted to read which Family publications. It is not permitted for Charter members to knowingly give CM or CM/FM literature to those who are not authorized to have it. This includes Charter members whose Home has been put on Probationary Notice and are therefore not eligible to receive new WS mailings.

In exceptional cases, either the COs or World Services may give permission to give literature to some people who would not normally be allowed to receive it, such as some academics and lawyers, etc. At times we have given literature for research, and while technically this is giving CM lit to non-Charter members, it has been deemed expedient, necessary, and beneficial. However, only the COs or WS are authorized to make this decision.

Committing acts of violence other than in self-defense or the defense of others or property is not acceptable in the Family. Those found guilty of violence will receive punishment in the form of either Probationary Status or excommunication, depending on the severity of the act. Those found guilty of determinedly or repeatedly threatening violence against others will receive Probationary Status. If threats of violence continue, the member will be in jeopardy of excommunication.

This clause covers violence or persistent threats of violence toward anyone, including one's mate or children. If a Family member is violent with their mate or children, or regularly threatens them with violence, they will be placed on Probationary Status by their Rules and Clearance Council. If the act of violence is severe, or there is a recurrence, he or she will face excommunication from the Family. If, however, a mate was defending himself or herself from spousal violence, then it could be judged a matter of self_defense and not necessarily be grounds for punishment. (See also the Family Statement, "Our Stance Against Violence.")

Those 21 and older are not permitted to engage in any sexual interaction with anyone under the age of 16. Those found guilty of sexual interaction with those ages 14 and 15 will be placed on Probationary Status, and repeat offenders will be in jeopardy of excommunication.

Those 21 and over who engage in any sexual act with those ages 14 and 15 will be excommunicated. (See "Offences Warranting Excommunication," B.)

Those 18 through 20 are not permitted to engage in any sexual contact or sexual act with anyone under the age of 16. Those found guilty of sexual contact with those ages 14 and 15 will be placed on Probationary Status and repeat offenders will be in jeopardy of excommunication.

Those 18 and over who engage in any sexual act with those ages 14 and 15 will be excommunicated. (See "Offences Warranting Excommunication," B.)

16- and 17-year-olds may date 14- and 15-year-olds, but only if done in accordance with the "Sex and Affection Rules," F. Engaging in any sexual act not in accordance with the "Sex and Affection Rules," F. will result in Probationary Status.

Those ages 16 and 17 are not permitted to engage in any sexual interaction with anyone under the age of 14. (See "Sex and Affection Rules," G.) Those 16 and 17 who engage in sexual contact with those under the age of 14 will be placed on Probationary Status.

Charter members are not permitted to engage in sexual contact or acts with non-Charter members of the Family. This rule has been put into effect to prevent HIV/AIDS from entering our communal lifestyle.

There are some live-out members and Family friends who became members or befriended the Family before 1987 during the FF era. In a few rare instances such as these, permission has been given for sexual relations to continue. WS leadership approves these cases, and the continental offices involved are aware of each case.

Members who have engaged in sexual acts with a non-Charter member, or with someone who they know has had sex with a non-Charter member and has not yet been cleared by HIV testing, must refrain from engaging in any sexual act with others until they or the person they had sex with are no longer at risk by having been cleared by HIV testing. Breaking this rule and putting others at risk will result in Probationary Status.

This is the "no sex with new disciples rule," which has been a Family rule for a long time. The reason for this rule is twofold: First, because beginning sexual relationships with either a new or rejoining member diverts their attention from the most needed aspects of discipleship training, which include getting into the Word, building a relationship with the Lord, and learning to live within the Family. Sexual or romantic relationships during those first six months are viewed as an unneeded distraction.

The second reason is because new members need to be HIV tested before joining and after their first six months in the Family.

Regardless of amounts consumed, the tolerance and reaction to alcohol varies from person to person. Members must be moderate in their alcohol consumption. Overdrinking is not permitted in the Family. Those found abusing alcohol repeatedly, or if serious consequences result from their overdrinking, will be disciplined by the Rules and Clearance Council, using Probationary Status.

As Dad has said, "Failure to report a crime is a crime" (ML #662:22). If, for example, a Family member sees or knows about anyone who has committed an offense warranting excommunication or Probationary Status, it is their duty to report it.

If it is discovered that a member knew of a situation where a Probationary Status offense was committed and didn't report it to their shepherds, they will be placed on Probationary Status.

If it is discovered that a member knew of a situation where an excommunicable offense was committed and didn't report it to their shepherds, they will be placed on Probationary Status, and depending on the situation, they are in jeopardy of being excommunicated.

6. Probationary Status Procedures

Since Probationary Status is now a discipline administered by the Rules and Clearance Council and no longer by the member's Home, we have amended this procedure to reflect those changes.

New "Procedures for Placing a Member on Probationary Status"

Because the Family's Fellow members are permitted to have sexual interaction with non-Family members, in some cases, if a Charter member feels that they would rather become a Fellow member in order to be able to pursue a relationship with a non-Family member, they have the option of doing so rather than being placed on Probationary Status and continuing on as a Charter member. However, they cannot apply to be returned to Charter member status for a period of at least six months.

Note: The "Reading List for Members on Probationary Status" is an updated reading list that will be included in the reprinted Charter. Until the Charter is reprinted, members should read from the "Reading List for Fellow Members Changing to CM or Those on Partial Excommunication."

7. Excommunication Procedures

We have also amended the "Procedures for Excommunicating Family Members" to reflect new changes in excommunication procedures as follows:

Changes in "Procedures for Excommunicating Family Members"

Those who have been excommunicated may have contact with Family members, unless expressly forbidden by the Continental Council (CC), which would be announced to the Homes. In such a case, the personal family members of the excommunicated person may still have contact with them, though not in a Family Home or where there are any other Family members.

Unless otherwise specified by the CC, it is up to a Family Home to determine whether they will have contact with an excommunicated member, and to what degree. A Home cannot, however, allow an excommunicated member to join their Home as a member without approval from the CC. (See "Procedures for Accepting New Disciples into a Charter Home.")

8. Rights of Children

The following amendment has to do with the question of parents pursuing legal action against a person who was excommunicated from the Family for alleged abuse, either physical or sexual, of a child.

Some may wonder why this issue is being addressed at this time. The rules that the Family has had in place over the years in regards to protecting our children from any kind of abuse have been very effective and there is virtually no abuse of children in the Family. In the few cases that have come up in recent years, the adults found guilty of such offenses have been immediately excommunicated from the Family.

The reason this is being addressed is that there have been some questions regarding what the Family's policy would be in taking legal action against such excommunicated members, and the Lord showed us that this point needed to be clarified.

Change in the "Rights of Children"

The Family has a zero tolerance policy in regards to the abuse of minors. As a religious entity, The Family fulfills its moral responsibility to maintain a safe environment for minors by immediately expelling and excommunicating any adult member deemed guilty of sexually or physically abusive behavior towards children.

Should a parent(s) or guardian(s) choose to file charges or pursue legal action against an individual for alleged abusive actions, they are free to do so, taking into consideration the best interests of their child and family and their personal faith. As in the case of all decisions related to the well-being of their children, ultimate responsibility lies with the parents.

In the event of such a course of action being pursued, a decision of this nature has the potential to affect other unrelated Family members residing in the same Home, city or country. This could ultimately result in duress for these families and individuals and greatly hinder the missionary work of their Home(s). Therefore, parents opting for such a course of action will need to step outside of Charter membership for the duration of the proceedings. During that time they are free to continue fellowshipping with their former Home and other Family members at the mutual agreement of those concerned. When the proceedings have concluded, the individuals may reapply for Charter membership.

9. Home Censure Procedures (formerly referred to as Probationary Status)

Home Censure, formerly referred to as Probationary Status, is the disciplinary action a Home can administer to its members for violation or disregard for the "Responsibilities of Individual Members" or the "Fundamental Family Rules."

New "Procedures for Home Censure"

Home Censure is a disciplinary measure for a Home member that is decided upon by the Home. In most cases, a less severe correction should have preceded a member being censured, such as missing some activities, etc. When someone is censured, they automatically lose their right to vote and their Right of Mobility, and may also receive other disciplinary measures in accordance with "Responsibilities and Authority of Home Officers," C.

Home Censure should be for a predetermined length of time, not exceeding three months, and should be a penalty proportional to the offense. It is also a good idea to assign an appropriate reading list to help strengthen the Home member.

10. Driving Rules

A driver, especially when carrying passengers in his or her vehicle, shoulders a serious responsibility for their lives, and they are dependent on his or her prayerful care. There are already many potential dangers when driving, and if the driver has been drinking, those dangers are multiplied many fold. Many countries and areas of the world have very strict rules concerning drinking and driving, and severe consequences for driving after drinking over the authorized limits. The Charter has been amended to include rules concerning drinking and driving in the Family.

Another change to the driving rules is concerning the issuance and use of Family Driving Certificates. This has now been dropped. This doesn't change the requirements concerning new drivers in the Home. The only change is that it is not necessary to continue requiring Family drivers to carry Family driving certificates.

Change in "Driving Rules"

Alcohol consumption is a major cause of motor vehicle crashes and injury. About half of all motor vehicle fatalities occur in crashes in which a driver has consumed a measurable level of alcohol prior to the crash. Following is some important information concerning the amounts and affects of alcohol on an individual's body.

Blood alcohol concentration (BAC), or the amount of alcohol in an individual's body, is measured by the weight of the alcohol in a volume of blood. There is no precise formula to determine BAC, as levels vary from person to person, which can vary within an individual on a case-by-case basis depending upon that person's gender, weight, metabolism, time period over which the alcohol was consumed and the amount of food in their stomach prior to drinking. Although a person's BAC can be estimated, the level cannot be determined solely by the number of drinks consumed, and cannot be precisely calculated by a person's height and weight.

Blood alcohol concentration directly correlates to the degree of impairment an individual displays when driving after drinking. Although an individual may not exhibit gross signs of inebriation, he/she is nevertheless impaired, even at a low BAC level. Studies show that the relative risk of being killed in a single vehicle crash for drivers with a BAC level between .05 and .09 is 11 times that of drivers with .00 BAC level. As BAC increases, the degree of impairment also rises dramatically, as illustrated by the graph on the following page.

 In general, a 60 kg. (132 lb.) person has approximately the same blood alcohol concentration after two drinks as an 80 kg. (176 lb.) person does after three drinks. Two drinks, or the equivalent of two six-ounce glasses of 13% wine (or two cans of beer, or two ounces of hard liquor) raises an 80 kg. person's BAC level to .05, and to .08 for a 60 kg. person.

It is imperative, therefore, that no one drive for a minimum of one hour after consuming the alcohol equivalent of six ounces of wine (There are four 6-ounce glasses of wine in a 750 ml bottle. A six-ounce glass of wine is also the alcohol equivalent of one 12-ounce [375 ml] can of beer [that does not exceed 6% alcohol], or one ounce [30 ml] of hard liquor). If you have consumed the alcohol equivalent of two glasses of wine, two beers, or two ounces of hard liquor, you must wait two hours without drinking any alcohol before driving. Any driver who drinks more than the alcohol equivalent of 12 ounces of wine (or 24 ounces of beer [that does not exceed 6% alcohol], or two ounces of hard liquor) cannot drive for at least 8 hours.

A driver, especially when carrying passengers in his vehicle, shoulders a serious responsibility for their lives, and they are dependent on his or her prayerful care. There are already many potential dangers when driving, and if the driver has been drinking, those dangers are multiplied many fold. Many countries and areas of the world have very strict rules concerning drinking and driving, and severe consequences for driving after drinking over their prescribed limits.

It is strongly suggested that Family members not drink any alcoholic beverages if they are to drive later that day or night. However, there are times when members are attending a fellowship, going to a party, eating out, etc., where alcoholic beverages will be served. In such cases it is the members' responsibility to make sure one person on the team is the designated driver. Ideally, the person who is the designated driver should not drink at all before bringing his passengers home from a situation where alcohol has been served; but if the designated driver does drink, it should be very little, and the driver should allow sufficient time for the alcohol to assimilate and the effects of the alcohol to pass in accordance with the rules listed above. Those under 21, inexperienced, or new drivers with less than one year of driving time, are not permitted to drive if they have drunk any alcohol whatsoever.

The affects and limits of alcohol on the individual vary considerably according to the person's weight, body mass, foods they've recently eaten, alcohol tolerance, etc., and most countries where there are strict laws concerning drinking and driving take this into account when testing for the alcohol limit. The laws concerning alcohol limits for those driving a vehicle in the country, city, or state where you are residing must be strictly adhered to, unless they are more lenient than the Charter rules, in which case the Charter rules must be followed.

Breaking these drinking and driving rules will be considered a serious alcohol offense and as such will be disciplined with Probationary Status in accordance with the "Offenses Warranting Probationary Status," J. It will also result in suspension by the RCC of all driving privileges for no less than 3 months for a first offense and up to one year for any further offenses.

The term "new driver" used above not only applies to those who have just recently acquired a driver's license, which would generally be a senior teen or YA, but also those older Family members who may have had a driver's license for a number of years, but due to lack of actual driving experience may no longer be a qualified driver. In such a case, a Home may decide that these drivers need to have some recent hands-on experience before they can drive a van full of children or take witnessing teams out, etc. They may therefore vote in the same requirements that a new driver is expected to meet before getting approval as a Home driver—that is, 20 hours of driving time, plus approval from the teamworkers.

The supervised driving time would not necessarily need to be official "driver training," but can be on-the-job practice. For example, an 18-year-old could do provisioning pickups with an experienced licensed driver in the car, who could instruct the new driver during the course of the day's driving. However, we do not recommend that new or inexperienced drivers drive a van full of people.

While we are stipulating that two Home teamworkers and a competent Family driver can approve a "new" driver, after he or she has had 20 hours of driving experience, the Home itself should also be in general agreement with the individual driving. Any voting member in a Home has the right to bring up in a Home council meeting the subject of driving and/or a specific driver if they feel he or she doesn't drive safely, to be discussed and/or voted on by the Home. In other words, those riding in a vehicle driven by a designated Home driver should have a reasonable amount of confidence in the driver's abilities, and if they don't, they have every right to bring it up for discussion in the proper forum.

Remember, their lives will be in your hands when driving!

11. Responsibilities of World Services' Leadership and Homes

Change to "Responsibilities of World Services' Leadership and Homes"

12. Responsibilities of Continental Officers

As mentioned previously, with the creation of the boards, some of the functions of the governing of the Family previously taken care of by the reporting office or the continental officers will now be taken care of by other bodies, such as the Rules and Clearance Council.

Change to the "Responsibilities of
Continental Officers"

Because our leadership operates in teamwork, there is no one individual who has sole authority or responsibility. Major decisions must therefore be made by a majority vote of the CC after prayer and discussion about the matter. Not every matter has to be decided through voting. However, the major ones, which affect the overall area and/or teamwork, need to be decided in counsel and prayer together. Some procedures require a two-thirds majority vote of the Continental Council.

Besides general reporting, the COs are required to keep WS leadership informed of anything out of the ordinary that they perceive is going to have a major effect on the Family in their area, or other areas, for either good or bad.

It is not possible for the COs to ensure that national disciples in every language area get the pubs in their language. We simply do not have the manpower or resources to translate all of the CM pubs, or even many GP or DFO pubs into all languages. However, when it is feasible and necessary, an attempt should be made to do so. These local language pubs may be sent to the Homes via email rather than paper mail at the CC's discretion.

In some language areas we have LIMs that attempt to reproduce the major World Services publications in their local languages. However, in other areas where the national Family population is not so large, we have Lit-Pics instead of LIMs to translate some of the Family pubs mainly for GP consumption, and occasionally various other pubs for our national disciples. In other areas where there are very few nationals, it has been necessary for the nationals to learn English in order to read Family pubs.

The CC is responsible to supply, as best they can, outreach tools for their area. This is generally accomplished through Production Centers (PCs, formerly SCs or PPCs), which the CC is responsible to oversee in order to guarantee a continued flow of outreach tools to the Homes.

There may be occasions when a PC will not be able to service a Home or Homes, either because the Home is too distant or for a number of other reasons. In such a case the CC may authorize a Home to reproduce the WS outreach tools on their own instead of being supplied from a PC. Without this specific permission, Homes are not permitted to reproduce WS outreach tools, except for the black-and-white tracts that WS has produced.

The CC is responsible to duplicate outreach tools that can be used in the area, but this doesn't necessarily mean that they must be in the language of the area. An example is Holland, where we may not be able to have all of our GP pubs available in Dutch, simply because we don't have the translators or the resources to translate all the GP material. However, since a majority of people witnessed to in Holland speak English, the CC would be fulfilling their responsibility by supplying English lit, as that would be an "appropriate language."

On the other hand, supplying GP pubs in English for Russia would not necessarily be an "appropriate language," since few Russians can understand or speak English.

The prayer list can be sent to the Homes via email rather than paper mail at the CC's discretion.

Ideally, individuals and Homes will be able to initiate personnel moves themselves, including handling the necessary communications directly between themselves. However, since this may not always be possible, due to a lack of available information, this service has been designed to assist Family members in exercising their Right of Mobility.

If a person wants to move out of their present Home but doesn't know the needs, or even the whereabouts, of other Homes, he obviously won't be able to move very easily, unless he decides to open his own Home. If a Home has a need for personnel with particular gifts or skills, they can put an ad in the area Want Ads pub or bulletin for such a person.

Although the CC will not be orchestrating movement of personnel between Homes, realistically there will be a need for assistance from the CC, and an avenue for this would be to regularly publish or email a Want Ads pub to their Homes. People in their area who want a change could write and give information about themselves, their skills, experience, etc., to see if any Homes need them. For example, "Single man with two children (ages 4 and 10), handyman, driver, experienced witnesser and JETT teacher, seeking a Home that needs my abilities in this or another country." Or a Home could write, "Our Home in such-and-such a city needs someone with childcare skills."

The CC has no authority to demand that a Home take new members into their Home. COs and VSs are, of course, free to approach a Home and, if necessary, ask them to consider taking in certain personnel, particularly in the case of single parents. Each Home has to make that decision of its own volition, but should, of course, act in a loving manner and pray about and consider the request. The CC might not always be able to find a Home for someone, but they can actively try to offer assistance in this respect.

Also, for members wishing to move to another area, Want Ads could be placed in the appropriate area's bulletin by sending an ad to their RO to pass on to the other area.

It would not be the CC's duty to solicit such information from the Homes, but simply to ensure that the information they receive is advertised to the Homes in their area. For the sake of security, those placing ads in the pub or newsletter may use their ABM as the initial contact point, or a Home can decide by a simple majority to have their postal or email address, or phone number placed in a bulletin or the Grapevine. (See LNF #260, point 2, for additional details.)

The bulletin may be sent to the Homes via email rather than paper mail, at the CC's discretion. This bulletin should also be used as a vehicle to notify all Homes in the area of any Homes that are presently on Probationary Notice.

A continental officer cannot ask their area officers to do something that the Charter and the Rules do not allow them to do.

The COs sometimes visit Homes, and when they do, if they find it is necessary to perform the area officer's responsibilities, they are empowered to act in a capacity similar to area officers.

The COs may offer counsel to Fellow members when they feel it's necessary, although their main responsibility and obligation is to the Charter Family.

13. Authority of Continental Officers

Change in "Authority of Continental Officers"

The CC has the authority to appoint the shepherds above the Home officer level. This means they do not have the right to appoint Home shepherds (other than in Service Homes, or Homes in sensitive countries).

The CC can only appoint area officers at leadership levels set by World Services, which at present are the visiting servants (VSs). Even though Regional Council members have been appointed by the Continental Councils, only those that are COs or VSs are Family officers.

The CC is responsible to inform WS leadership of all appointments of area officers. And in rare circumstances, WS leadership reserves the right to annul any area officer appointment.

These area officers (VSs) must undergo a vote of confirmation twice a year on the dates specified in the "Election Rules" in the "Fundamental Family Rules." The voting procedures for such a vote of confirmation are handled as a Home referendum, which is specifically laid out in the "Fundamental Family Rules." VSs confirmed by the Homes on these semi-annual confirmation dates may continue in their position; those who are not confirmed must step down.

The CC has the right to replace any of the area officers, but they must first receive WS leadership approval. When seeking approval, the CC will be expected to explain why they wish to replace them. Of course, if the Homes do not confirm the area officer, then the CC must replace them, and in such a case would not need prior WS approval.

The CC is responsible to appoint ABMs when necessary to help coordinate communications and other administrative services for the Homes in the area. An ABM is not an area officer, unless also specifically appointed to be a VS. Nevertheless, their responsibilities will be determined by the CC and will vary from area to area depending on the help needed by the CC and RO, and the needs of the field.

The CC is responsible to define the national and regional areas within their continental area and ensure that the boards are set up and run within those areas in accordance with the rules and guidelines for the boards put forth in the Family Board Handbook.

The CC sometimes receives funds allocated for various purposes from World Services, and once received are authorized to disburse them. Authorization is only for those purposes for which the funds have been allotted.

14. High School Education

Over the last few years, Family leadership, and more recently the FED and CP boards, have been praying and counseling about the Family's education of our young people. At the last summit, the children's education was discussed in depth.

We believe that quality Family education is superior in many ways, and that homeschooling our children is the Lord's best for our Family children. We are proud of the many Family parents and teachers who daily give their all to ensure their children receive a solid education. As you know, the Charter grants Family children the right to receive an adequate education in all scholastic subjects, and the Lord, Mama, and I through the Letters have repeatedly stressed this point.

As times and needs change, we must also change, and the Lord has led us, along with the FED boards, to re-evaluate the Charter's education requirements to see what needs changing or updating.

After much discussion and prayer concerning the current Charter minimum requirements for our children's schooling, the decision was made to raise the minimum level of education required in the Charter, as well as increase the minimum number of hours of our children's, and most notably our JETTs' and teens', weekly scholastic study requirements.

We realize that these changes may have a big effect on some of you and your Home, and we are sorry if this change might cause some temporary disruptions in your schedules. But the Lord has said that these changes will bear lasting fruit and make the Family stronger.

The Family's goal is to raise our children to be missionaries. Part of fulfilling that goal is to provide them with a quality education. Raising the scholastic requirements will not only help our children and young people to be better missionaries, but it will also better prepare those who may eventually choose to leave the Family for their lives outside of the Family.

It will now be compulsory for Family young people to receive an education enabling them to obtain a high school diploma. The CVC Vocational High School diploma is now the Charter's minimum requirement to meet this stipulation. However, parents or guardians should encourage their young people to work toward receiving the CVC General High School diploma or an equivalent when feasible.

The number of hours that young people must spend in scholastic study has also been raised. Children and JETTs must now receive a minimum of 14 hours scholastic studies per week. Junior and senior teens who have not yet obtained a high school diploma must spend a minimum of 12 hours in scholastic studies per week. For those under 18 who have already obtained a high school diploma, it is recommended that they spend a minimum of eight hours in academic or vocational studies each week.

While these higher school hours may be difficult to squeeze in for some Homes, especially considering all there is to do in our busy lives as Family members, giving our children a quality education needs to be one of our top priorities. Many Homes are already doing more than the current minimum in the Charter, and we know that as each parent, teacher, and Home commits to giving their children the quality education they deserve, the fruit and good results will be noticeable.

Here is an excerpt of one of the messages our Husband gave when seeking a confirmation about these changes:

(Jesus speaking:) These changes are good because they are in sync with the greater needs of the Family now, and are what the Family needs for the future. These are prayerful changes in step with the need to raise awareness, to raise the educational requirements in the Family, as well as to create an element of greater responsibility to be shouldered by the Home and ultimately the parents of the children in the Home.

The changes you are making are compatible with the majority of Family parents and teachers who have already been diligently looking to the state of their children's education. These conscientious ones are already providing their children and young people with more than the current minimum educational requirements and scholastic study hours required in the Charter. They are already fulfilling the new requirements and they will be thankful to see these changes. With these changes to the Charter you are now bringing everyone "up to the average."

Raising the standard of education in the Family will bring positive and lasting fruit in the lives of your children and will result in a stronger Family more prepared for the times ahead. (End of excerpt of message from Jesus.)

Change in "Responsibilities of Parents"

Although it is the responsibility of the Home to make sure that all of the children in the Home are raised in a godly manner, loved, and have all their needs met, are protected from all forms of abuse and receive a proper education, it is ultimately the parents' responsibility to ensure their children's well-being.

If the Home has poor schooling or no Word time for the children, or they don't allot time for get-out on a regular basis, then it's up to the parents to speak up in an attempt to change the Home, or to move to another Home. If the Home is not living up to the Charter standard in the care of the children, the parents can first explain to the teamwork and the Home that they feel the rights of their children are being violated, and that according to the "Right of Redress" something needs to be done. If nothing changes, they can seek the help of their VSs or they can move to another Home.

It is the parents' responsibility, as also outlined in the "Responsibilities of the Charter Home: Regarding Children and Parents," B., to make sure their children receive an adequate education that qualifies their children to obtain a high school diploma. The Charter recognizes, however, that as children grow into adolescence, they bear increasing responsibility for their own education. If the parents fulfill their responsibility to sufficiently school the adolescent, but the adolescent does not apply him/herself so that at age 18 they have not yet obtained or are not able to obtain a high school diploma, then the parents have fulfilled their responsibility. However, the parents and/or the Home in which the 18-year-old resides should continue to encourage the 18-year-old to work toward receiving his or her high school diploma.

The Charter also recognizes that there may be rare instances (such as in the case of mental or physical disability) where a student may not be able to obtain a high school diploma. Exceptions may be granted by the Regional FED board on a case-by-case basis.

Please note that the academic level required to receive a Vocational High School Diploma has been increased from that stated in CVC Handbook 2000. Please refer to the MO site or the CVC website (www.cvcollege.com) for updated information.

If Family students use the CLE course, or another suitable academic program, they can have their studies credited toward their CVC Vocational and/or CVC General High School Diploma.

If students do their schooling in a language other than English, then the studies done in that language can be recognized and evaluated according to the comparative level in the CVC Vocational or General High School Diploma.

In the case of a senior teen that doesn't live with his/her parents, the teen's guardian should assume responsibility for his/her education.

Besides the CVC, there are many avenues a student can use to receive a high school diploma or document attesting to high school equivalency, such as the GED test, GCSE, SAT, CLE, A Beka, and others. The regional or national FED boards may also make information available regarding alternative programs in their area, state, or country.

Change in "Scholastic and Schedule Rules"

Please bear in mind that besides desk work in the four traditional academic subjects—language arts, social studies, math and science—effective homeschooling includes educational input and activities such as visits to museums, planetariums, and other educational sites, field trips, documentaries, experiments and hands-on learning. It includes subjects such as foreign language study, health, drama, art and music, personal study time, classes from the pubs and/or reference material, and seminars to motivate the students to learn.

These are the minimum requirements for the schooling of our children and young people. Please remember that our children have the right to an education as specified in the Charter. It is the responsibility of each Home and each parent to make sure that every child is receiving an adequate education. Although the Charter rules define the minimum hours of scholastic study required in the Family, attention should be paid to the number of hours of schooling required to comply with local school laws, as they may differ.

Every Home must set aside the above listed minimum hours for the education of their resident children, JETTs and teens; however, if the amount of schooling given during this time is not enough to give the child or children the education guaranteed them in the Charter, then it must be increased. Rare exceptions to minimum scholastic study hours may be granted by the Regional FED board on a case-by-case basis (such as for mental or physical disability).

If the Home or parents cannot supply an adequate education via homeschooling, they may need to consider outside schooling, private tutoring, etc. It is not enough for a Home to supply the minimum school time if it does not result in an adequate education for the children.

Besides the academic requirements needed to acquire a CVC Vocational High School diploma, 20 credits in Vocational studies and 20 credits in Christian studies are also required. Before a student turns 14, he may start his CVC reading list and start earning credits toward his CVC Christian and Vocational Studies. Only after he turns 14 may he begin accumulating credits in CVC vocational experience courses.

All children may seek outside testing or certification of their home education if they or their parents desire. Those 18 and over may also continue their education by means of the CVC program, private study of other educational materials and resources, or outside school, classes or courses with the agreement of the Home. See also "Rights of Children," F. and G., and "Home Life Rules.")

(Remainder of the explanation is unchanged.)

Change in "Rights of Children"

All our children have the right to an adequate education that allows them to be on par with their peers outside the Family in the core curriculum subjects of math, science, social studies, language arts, and other subjects required for that age of child by educational authorities. The definition of "adequate" is sufficient to satisfy a requirement or meet a need. Thus a normal six-year-old should be educated at least to a standard of achievement equivalent to that of an average six-year-old, taking into consideration the child's ability and aptitude. (The minimum amount of school hours is listed in the "Scholastic and Schedule Rules.") If a child or teen wishes to receive more education in a certain field of study, they may do so in counsel with their parents/guardian(s).

While not considered "children" under the Charter, senior teens must be given the opportunity to earn their high school diploma. To assure that each young person is given sufficient study time, it is required that they fulfill a minimum number of study hours per week toward obtaining a high school diploma. (The minimum amount of school hours is listed in the "Scholastic and Schedule Rules.")

Those 18 and over may also continue their education by means of the CVC program, private study of other educational materials and resources, or outside school, classes or courses. (See "Home Life Rules," J.)

15. Word Requirements

In accordance with the Lord's and Mama's counsel in "What Is Jesus Worth to You?" (ML #3433), we are amending the Charter Word requirements as follows, which includes adding a new Charter requirement involving intercessory prayer. The previous prayer vigil requirement in "Required Meetings and Activities," B., has been deleted and has now been replaced by the following changes in the "Word Rules."

Change in "Word Rules"

Family members should have 1½ hours daily, or 10½ hours weekly, of quality Word, praise, personal prayer and hearing from the Lord, as outlined in "What Is Jesus Worth to You?" (ML #3433, GN 1016). This is not the recommended amount of personal time with the Lord; it is the minimum and it should be quality time. As the Lord exhorts us in this same Letter: "The one-and-a-half-hours in the Word should be quality time. What is quality time? That is to be determined by the conscience of the individual. The onus is on the individual to determine what is 'quality.' The key is in quality, deep, feeding Word time. It's not in just putting in the hours. The point is to be fed, trained, and inspired!"

Generally speaking, the following things would usually count toward the minimum one-and-a-half hours of quality Word time:

New disciples need to get their grounding in the Word before they get embroiled full-time in other ministries. In order to make it possible for them to complete the reading and study of the foundation Letters listed in Appendix F: "New Disciples' Basic Course" and Appendix H: "Priority Reading for New Disciples' First Year in the Family," an additional seven hours per week must be allotted by the Home for this specific purpose. It's preferable that this additional Word time be made available on a daily basis, or at least spread throughout several time slots during the week, but not less than seven additional hours of Word time per week. It is estimated that these reading courses can be completed within one year of a new disciple joining if this minimum time is allotted for it.

An exception to this rule would be for live-outs, catacombs, or Fellow members changing to CM who may already have this foundation from years of reading the Word before joining the Family, who may not need a full year to finish the course. But they should be given this additional time for up to one year to complete this course according to what the Home teamwork deems to be necessary. (See also "Responsibilities of the Charter Home Regarding the Welfare of its Members," A.2.a.)

The Lord said, "I want to institute a new Charter requirement of 30 minutes of intercessory prayer each day. This should be each person's prayer vigil time. This is time you spend working for others, pouring out in spirit. This is not time in which you are feeding your own spirit. While intercessory prayer is edifying and inspiring, and you do come away from such prayer time feeling that you accomplished a lot and having a sense of peace, it's not time when you're feeding your own spirit or being trained in the Word and in My ways. So this time should be set apart from the Word requirement" (ML #3433:236). This intercessory prayer time for others is not to be counted as part of the 1½-hour minimum daily Word requirement.

16. Book Reading

Due to the vast quantity of books available, there hasn't been time to put together book lists, as WS has done with movies. Nevertheless, book reading is often an issue that needs to be addressed in many Homes. The Charter requirement has often been overlooked because it requires a confirming vote of the Home for a member to read a book. The procedure for this has now been changed so that the Home can create a book committee to handle matters relating to the Home members reading books other than educational or other WS-recommended books. In these cases, the individual, after having personally received a confirmation from the Lord, can present their request to the Home's book committee to confirm the books they wish to read.

Change in "Home Life Rules"

Ecclesiastes 12:12 says, "Of making many books there is no end." The world is full of millions upon millions of books, some good, some bad, some edifying, others not. It would be impossible for WS to make a comprehensive list of acceptable books as we have done with movies. Because of this, if someone in the Home wishes to read a book, other than an educational textbook or a book included in a WS-recommended book list, they must first get a confirmation from the Lord about their reading the book and submit their request to their Home. This includes books in electronic form or audio books.

As an alternative to members seeking the agreement of the whole Home for books they want to read, especially in the case of larger Homes, the Home can appoint a book committee of at least three members 18 or over to handle these matters. Preferably a Home officer should be on this committee. The committee would not be set up as a "policing" system. The goal in forming this committee is to help safeguard members' reading and help them be prayerful in their choice of reading material.

Like movies or music, books are spiritual food. If you eat bad food, it does you harm. Certainly not all books are bad, but neither are they all good, so care must be taken in the choice of reading material, especially in our busy lifestyle. Although some books are not unedifying, they nevertheless generally take a fairly long time to read, which would take away from our more important duties like reading the Word, witnessing, fellowshipping with others, etc. When deeply engrossed in the reading of a novel, the reader can often tune out what is going on around them and become absorbed in and sometimes even addicted to the novel. Such total absorption can be spiritually detrimental. For this reason it is necessary for the Home (or the book committee, if one has been appointed by the Home) to agree to the books members are permitted to read.

If someone wants to read a book, they're responsible to ask the Lord if it is okay to do so, and if confirmed by the Lord, how much time they should spend on it, or any other counsel that He may have regarding it. This is just a basic "Ask Me Everything" principle and not something that applies to book reading alone. But since reading a book can take a lot more time than other activities like watching a movie or playing a computer game, it's pretty important.

Once a member has heard from the Lord concerning the book they wish to read, he or she would then submit to the Home (or book committee) the title of the book, the author, and the message they receive from the Lord. If the Home or book committee needs more information than provided by the member, they may ask to see the book before making their decision. Unless the Home (or book committee) after asking the Lord, disqualifies a book, by a simple majority vote, from being read by that Home member, they would be permitted to read it.

17. Clearance Procedures

In light of the board structure and to streamline certain functions of the governing of the Family, some of the responsibilities that were previously given to the reporting office or continental officers will now be passed on to the Rules and Clearance Council. One such function is clearance requests. The area's Rules and Clearance Council now has the authority under the Charter to grant or deny clearances to their area. Countries with more than one RCC, such as Brazil, India, or the US, will create a single clearance committee with members from each of the RCCs to handle clearances to their area from outside the country.

Change in the "Right of Mobility"

Those 18 and over can move out of a Home by giving 30 days notice in writing to the Home teamwork of their intention to move and their planned destination. Those wishing to move must also inform their Rules and Clearance Council. Once they give their notice, they lose the right to vote on Home matters and are freed of any responsibility for new financial obligations or debts the Home incurs. …

Let's look at the following scenario of a wise way to prayerfully plan a departure from a Home. A YA couple with one child living in Japan feels called to go to Brazil. They pray about it together, apply the "Seven Ways to Know God's Will" (see ML #829), hear from the Lord on the matter, consult and pray together with their Home's teamwork, and come to the conclusion it is the Lord's will for them to go. Because they are going to another area, they write to the Brazil RCC via their reporting office, asking for clearance. (See "Clearance Request Form" in Appendix B.)

Knowing that the RCC, upon receiving their request, has up to 30 days to respond before the YAs are automatically cleared, they decide to use the time for preparation and fundraising. Since they are not directly in contact with a Home in Brazil that they plan to join, at the same time they send the RCC their Clearance Request Form, they also send a Want Ad to their reporting office, who passes it on to be published. The Want Ad, once published, will offer the couple different possibilities of Homes that might be interested in receiving them. (See more on this subject under point I of "Responsibilities of Continental Officers." See also "Want Ad Guidelines" in Appendix B.) …

Once the couple's clearance from the Brazil RCC is official, or the 30-day waiting period has expired without reply from the RCC, they've found a Home in Brazil to receive them, and they have most of the funds, they might decide it's time to make their reservations and give their 30-day notice, estimating that by the end of the 30 days they will be ready to go. (See "Thirty-Day Right of Mobility Notice" in Appendix B.)

You have the right to move to other countries, either within your area or in another area, provided you receive clearance. (See "Clearance Request Form" in Appendix B.) Only the Clearance Request Form is needed to apply for clearance. A Want Ad should also be sent to your reporting office, unless you want to open your own new Home in a city presently without a Home or have a prospective Home to move to.

You must also receive clearance for a road trip to a sensitive country or a country in another regional area, or a road trip to a country in your own area that will last longer than 30 days in a three-month period. The definition of a road trip is any trip that will include witnessing with tools and fundraising.

Except in the case of sensitive countries, clearance is considered automatically granted if, after receiving an acknowledgment from the receiving reporting office that the clearance application has been received, the member does not receive a further response within 30 days. This clause deals with moving to another country. If you are temporarily going to another area to visit relatives, for visa purposes, or for legal business, it isn't necessary to ask for clearance. It would, however, be considerate to notify the appropriate RCC that you will be in the area.

The RCC cannot deny clearance to a member, nor their mate or children, who want to return to their home country. So if you are British, with an American mate, and you are planning to leave your mission field in India to return to Britain or the United States, then the RCC cannot deny you clearance. However, you must notify the RCC by submitting your Clearance Request Form. In this case, your Clearance Request Form serves as a notification of intent, and since you are automatically cleared, you do not need to wait for a response from the RCC before moving to your home country. You must also follow normal Charter procedures for joining or opening a Home, including opening a Home in a city that already has a Charter Home. …

New "Procedures for Granting or Denying Clearance"

All clearance applications only need to include the application form and a Want Ad, unless the applicant wants to open their own new Home in a city presently without a Home or they have a prospective Home to move to, in which case only the "Clearance Request Form" in Appendix B is needed to apply for clearance. The "Member Evaluation Form" is only required for clearance to certain Muslim fields and sensitive countries if requested by the RCC.

The reporting office will publish the individual's Want Ad, indicating with the Want Ad whether clearance has been granted or is still pending. If clearance is denied, the Want Ad will not be published. Although the applicant receives automatic clearance if the RCC does not deny clearance within the specified time period, members planning to pioneer their own Home are responsible to ascertain whether the city they are planning to move to already has a Charter Home, and if so, follow the "Procedures for Opening a Home in a City That Already Has a Charter Home."

In the "Right of Mobility," D. and E., clearance to another area is explained more fully, but in brief:

1) A person is free to move anywhere within their present country without the permission of the RCC, providing they meet various conditions.

2) Members may only move from country to country within their regional area if they have received clearance from their RCC. A clearance form is available to be used in such cases.

3) Members who wish to move to a country in a different regional area must apply for clearance from the RCC of the area they wish to work in. Again, a clearance form is available to be used in such cases.

When seeking clearance to go to another region, members should send their clearance request to their RO, who will immediately pass it on to the appropriate RCC. The receiving RCC must acknowledge receipt of your clearance request within 14 days. Your clearance request will automatically be granted unless you receive notification from the RCC within 30 days from the date on the notification receipt that your clearance has been denied.

If someone wants to move to a Home in a country in another region, they would want to write for and probably wait to receive their clearance before giving their 30-day notice to leave the Home. When receiving clearance to a country, you have permission to move to the country; however, it is up to you to find a Home that will receive you before you move to that country. The RCC has no authority to insist that a Home take someone in. So if you are not in contact with any Homes in your prospective destination, it would be wise to send a Want Ad to the reporting office of that area to place in their Want Ads in addition to seeking general clearance to the country. (See Want Ad Guidelines in Appendix B.) Assuming you receive clearance from the RCC and a Home (or Homes) responds to your Want Ad, you then can directly work out your arrangements for joining a Home. Or if you receive clearance from the RCC, you have the right to open a Home in any city in that country that doesn't already have a Charter Home.

Please note that clearances are required for moving to other countries. If the main purpose of your trip is to visit friends and relatives and you will not be involved in outreach work, such as a witnessing road team would be, then you would not need prior clearance.

18. Basic Responsibilities of the Charter Home

The following has been added to the "Basic Responsibilities of the Charter Home" to coincide with point G of the "Authority of Continental Officers."

Addition to "Basic Responsibilities of the Charter Home"

19. Defining Metropolitan Areas

The question has been raised in some larger cities as to the makeup of the metropolitan area of that city. Some governments set the metropolitan area to be a relatively small area, whereas when the adjacent towns are accounted for, which is the generally accepted definition of what constitutes a metropolitan area, the area is much larger. This has caused some problems in that sometimes Homes in the smaller defined metropolitan area don't want the Homes in the cities adjacent, but outside the area, witnessing in their metropolitan area.

The Charter now gives the Continental Council authority to define the perimeters for a given metropolitan area to include adjacent towns and cities. The Charter also allows Home(s) to contest that decision by writing to WS, who will make the final decision.

Addition to the "Right of Mobility"

Throughout the Charter when we use the term "city" we are referring to a city, town, or village. Some cities are in a large metropolitan area, meaning it includes the major city and the adjacent cities and towns. For example, the actual city of Los Angeles might in itself be rather small, but the metropolitan area of Los Angeles is huge and includes a number of other cities.

In general, when referring to "cities" in the Charter, we are not talking about metropolitan areas. If a Home were already opened in the actual city of Los Angeles, you would need to follow the "Procedures for Opening a Home in a City That Already Has a Charter Home" before opening a new Home there. However, you could open a Home in the city of Anaheim, which is another city on the outskirts of Los Angeles, and which is part of metropolitan Los Angeles, without having to go through this procedure, if Anaheim does not have a Charter Home in it.

Homes within a metropolitan area are free to conduct outreach within that whole metropolitan area. This means that if, for example, a Home opens in a suburb right outside the actual Mumbai city limits, Homes within the Mumbai city limits may not forbid that Home from conducting outreach in Mumbai itself, since they are part of the same metropolis. Likewise, the Homes within the city limits may conduct outreach in the suburbs. This makes it possible for a Home to open in an adjacent suburb or town where it's safer, rents are often cheaper, or housing more available, while still being able to conduct outreach within the city itself, unless the city is closed as outlined in "Procedures for Opening a Home in a City That Already Has a Charter Home," A.

However, if a Home opens in a town that is not part of the metropolitan area, they must obtain permission from the Homes in the metropolitan area before they can conduct outreach in that metropolis. The CC has the authority to define the limits of a metropolitan area in the case of a dispute as to what constitutes the metropolitan area of the cities and towns in question as outlined in "Procedures for Defining a Metropolitan Area."

In a city or metropolitan area that has a number of Homes, the Homes are required to create a city council to coordinate local business or logistical matters such as witnessing areas, etc. (See "Required Meetings and Activities," D.) The city council should include all the Homes in the metropolitan area, not just those within the city limits. An exception would be if there are a large number of Homes in the metropolis, and the Homes decide to divide it into two city councils.

Those on the city council have no authority over the Homes other than that which the Homes agree to give them. Those on the city council are not meant to be an additional level of area shepherding. They do not have any shepherding responsibilities or authority over the Homes in the area.

The city council, represented by all Homes in a city or metropolis, could also agree together on where each Home can conduct outreach within the metropolitan area, so that each Home's outreach needs are sufficiently met without conflict over "turf."

If you are a road team Home, or if you go on a road trip from your Home, and want to witness in a metropolitan area that already has a Charter Home, you must receive permission from the present Home(s) in the metropolis before doing so. It would be wise to check with your ABM about what cities or metropolitan areas have Homes in them so that you can either go witnessing in other cities or seek permission from the Home(s) in the city/metropolis you want to witness in before you get there.

A road team Home is one which has no fixed residence. For example, two families living in caravans and moving from place to place would be a road team Home. They would send in their own TRF and would need to have their own mailing address. Such a team would need the local Home's agreement to do outreach in a city that already has a Charter Home in it.

A road team Home is different from a situation where some members of a Home go out on the road for a period of time, but are still listed as members of a regular Home on that Home's TRF.

However, a road team would also need permission to do outreach in a city, other than their own, which has a Charter Home.

In areas where the boundaries of the metropolitan area are in question, the Homes desiring the city they are in to be included in a metropolitan area can inform their Rules and Clearance Council of their request according to the "Procedures for Defining a Metropolitan Area."

If a city or a metropolitan area becomes saturated with Charter Homes, the CC has the authority to declare some of the cities in the metropolitan area or the entire metropolitan area as "closed," in accordance with the "Procedures for Opening a Home in a City That Already Has a Charter Home," A., to prevent further Homes from opening.

New "Procedures for Defining a Metropolitan Area"

Though the Rules and Clearance Council is responsible to see that these procedures are fulfilled, they may ask the ABM to handle the matter if they wish.

20. Closing Metropolitan Areas

Related to the above, the following additional change gives the Continental Council the ability to close a metropolitan area as a whole, rather than just the individual cities within the metropolitan area. Previously, once a city was closed, Homes outside that city, but still within the metropolitan area, needed to get permission to witness in that city. If a metropolitan area became saturated with Homes, the Continental Council would have to close each individual city in that metropolitan area one by one, but if they do that, all Homes within the metropolitan area would need to get permission from each other in order to witness in each other's city.

Closing the metropolitan area as a whole makes the process much easier and the existing Homes can still do outreach within the metropolitan area as they have been, but no new Homes can open there.

Change in "Procedures for Opening a Home in a City/Metropolitan Area that already has a Charter Home"

The CC can recommend that cities or metropolitan areas which already have Charter Homes in them be "closed" if they deem the saturation point for Homes has been reached, or for other valid reasons. If approved as a closed city/metropolitan area, it would mean that no new Homes could open in that city/metropolitan area, but the Homes already there would be able to remain there.

The CC can also recommend that a city/metropolitan area without Charter Homes be classified as closed, if they are aware of particular circumstances, such as previous serious problems for the Family in that city/metropolitan area, or other valid reasons. If approved as a closed city/metropolitan area, no Homes may open or conduct outreach in that city/metropolitan area while the approval is in effect.

If a city or metropolitan area is closed, then members of Homes from outside that city or metropolitan area are not permitted to conduct outreach there. (Those Homes already within the metropolitan area would continue to be allowed to witness in all the cities in the metropolitan area.) Of course, if you had to go to that closed city for some business, you could personally witness to someone, but you should not distribute tools without the permission of the Homes in the area.

Changes to the "Right of Mobility"

Those who have reached the age of 18 are free to open a Home in any city or in a metropolitan area in the same country in which they presently live, as long as the city doesn't already have a Charter Home and it is not a "closed" city or a "closed" metropolitan area. (The CC has the authority to declare a city or a metropolitan area "closed," in accordance with the "Procedures for Opening a Home in a City/Metropolitan Area that Already Has a Charter Home," A., to prevent further Homes from opening, if deemed necessary.)

Those who have reached the age of 18, as outlined above, are free to open a Home in any city in the same country in which they presently live. The Home must have a minimum of two voting members to start with and increase to at least four members within six months (see "Home Size Rules," A.). No approval or clearance from the Rules and Clearance Council (RCC) or Continental Council is required. If you want to pioneer a new city within your present country, you can do so solely on the authority granted to you in the above clause. However, you must notify your RCC of your intent to move, as stated earlier.

There may be rare, extraordinary circumstances surrounding the city of your choice that you might not be aware of. For example, you may be new in an area and not know that in the past Family members have been seriously harassed in that city. In such a case, the RCC may propose that you select a different city to pioneer. In most cases, after learning of the matter, the team would probably decide to pioneer elsewhere. However, if they still wish to pioneer the city, they may do so. If the RCC feels the matter is serious enough, they may bring the matter to the CC, who will try to resolve the issue. If the CC cannot resolve the matter, they can bring it to WS leadership's attention and ask for their intervention.

Those who open new Homes should immediately inform their RO of their mailing and email addresses so they can begin receiving their WS mailings.

21. Procedures for Accepting New Disciples

Those who leave the CM Family to become either FMers or former members may rejoin a CM Home with prior notification of the Continental Council.

Change in "Procedures for Accepting New Disciples into a Charter Home"

As you'll note, no time frame is given before someone is allowed to join a Charter Home as a full-time member. So we're not ruling out the possibility of some people wanting to join immediately. But before they cut all worldly ties, forsake all, and become fully integrated into the Charter Family, it would be best to have a period of time to get to know the Family better. This would also allow the Home to get to know the prospective disciple. If all the following requirements are met and two-thirds of the Home's voting members agree, an individual may join a Charter Home as a full-time member.

A Charter Home that is praying about accepting a former Charter or Fellow member, or someone previously excommunicated, as a new member of their Home, must check with their CC before allowing that individual to join.

22. New Disciples Reading CM/FM Lit During First Three Months

New disciples can now read CM/FM lit at the Home teamwork's discretion within the first three months they are in the Family.

Change in "Classifications of Family Membership and Literature"

23. The FM to CM process

There have been cases where a parent(s) steps out of the CM Family and becomes an FM member while helping one of their teens who wants to leave the Family and get set up in the System. However, once their son/daughter is situated and it's no longer necessary for the parent to remain with their son/daughter, the parent would like to return to CM status.

For cases like these, where an FM member was formerly a CM member and is returning to CM status, the Charter has been amended to allow for a shortened transition period back to CM status if the member has completed the "Reading List for Fellow Members Changing to CM," and the Rules and Clearance Council feel it's warranted.

Change in "Procedures for Fellow Members Changing to Charter Member Status and Moving into an Existing Charter Home"

During their stay in the Home, Acts 2:44-45 fully applies in that they should willingly give and share of all their possessions with others. (See also "Responsibilities of Individual Members.")

Change in "Procedures for Moving Fellow Members to Charter Member Status"

24. Moving CM to FM

The procedure for moving a Charter member to Fellow member status has been clarified where the procedure originates with the Home. It is now required for the Rules and Clearance Council not only to acknowledge receipt of the letter of recommendation from the Home, but to also inform the member and his Home of their final decision within 30 days of acknowledging the Home's letter of recommendation. The Rules and Clearance Council will handle the investigation and make their decision, taking into consideration the Home's vote. However, since two out of the three bodies must be in agreement with the decision, if the Rules and Clearance Council does not agree with the Home's recommendation, the matter will go to the Continental Council to decide.

Change in "Procedures for Moving a Charter Member to Fellow Member Status"

Moving someone to Fellow member status can be a difficult situation for everyone involved. Requiring two of the three bodies to agree to the move will hopefully ensure that no one is moved to Fellow member status unfairly.

Once the decision has been made to move a member to Fellow member status, the Home should continue to treat the person lovingly and kindly. They are still part of the overall Family and are just moving to a level of discipleship for which they are better suited. An effort should be made to make his or her move as practical and easy as possible.

This also holds true for those who are leaving the Family completely. They are still our Christian brothers and sisters and fellow laborers in His Kingdom, and we should show them genuine love and concern. Dad said, "Are you sitting around in your smug, self-satisfied, self-righteous, holier-than-thou complacency condemning them for straying away and getting lost, cursing them for getting caught in the brambles or by the wolves, and indifferently writing them off as a lost cause because you always knew they were only sour grapes anyhow? Are you like the Good Shepherd, Who lovingly seeks to save the lost sheep, or the hireling that's glad to get rid of him as good riddance to bad rubbish, and one less to have to take care of? Which are you, shepherd or hireling? And if they do come back, do you treat them royally, like the father did the prodigal son, or do you resent them, like the older brother? Which are you?" (ML #155:67).

If it is a family, a single parent with children, or a young person leaving, it would be helpful if an effort could be made to help them find a place to stay, or find them an initial landing place of some sort, perhaps with other Fellow members. This will not be possible in every case, and often the member may not need or want the help, but the point is to be loving and kind to these brethren.

If a case arises in which a Home's members feel their Home teamwork should be put on Fellow member status, but find it difficult to bring this up in a Home council meeting, they may write to their Rules and Clearance Council, which could assist them.

25. CM Lit to FMers

Change in "Classifications of Family Membership and Literature"

26. The Issue of Children When Separating

There have been situations where a Charter member couple who decide to separate have had difficulties working out the custody of their children, and so resorted to outside legal assistance. While it is the prerogative of parents to use the court system in order to work out custody cases involving their children, resorting to the court system in order to take action against another CM member can have a negative effect on the Home in which they reside and the Family at large. In such situations it is required that the parties involved become Fellow members or step out of the Family completely until their differences are resolved. The Charter has been amended to underline the need for this.

Change in "Permanent Marital Separation Rules"

(Explanation unchanged up to the last paragraph.)

If they cannot come to an agreement on their own, and after counsel with their VS board or CC, the parents opt to use the court system to settle the matter, they must become Fellow members, or step out of the Family altogether, until the matter is settled.

27. Right of Redress

Although we don't encourage it and feel that Family members should work out their differences in love, it may happen that after seeking the Right of Redress someone may feel they must seek legal redress by taking another Family member to court. This has been added to the "Right of Redress" as follows.

Addition to the "Right of Redress"

We believe that Family members should settle their differences by using all of the avenues provided by the right of redress. We also believe it is unscriptural for one Family member to take another Family member to the law for redress as St. Paul so clearly states in 1Corinthians 6.

"Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? … Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? … Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do these things to your brethren!"

If a Family member wishes to take another Family member to the law for redress, they must step outside of Family membership for the duration of the legal action. Once the issue has been settled, those involved may reapply for Family membership.

28. Home Size Exemptions

The amount of time given for a Home to find new members once they become undersized due to other members moving on from their Home has now been extended from two months to four months.

Change in the "Home Size Rules"

29. Home Size Rules for Having Two Members Over 25

The Charter states that "Homes with members who are under 18 years of age must have at least two resident members who are 25 years of age or older, unless the underage members are living with their parent(s)." The Continental Council was further authorized to "grant permission for someone under 18 to live in the same Home as their spouse or a sibling who is 18 years of age or older, even if that Home does not have two members over 25."

With the setting up of the Rules and Clearance Councils, the Charter has been changed and the authority to grant such exceptions is now the responsibility of the Rules and Clearance Council.

There has also been a clause added allowing the Continental Council to grant rare exceptions for teens under 18 to live in a Home, even if they don't have a sibling in the Home and the Home does not have two members over 25 years of age.

Change in "Home Size Rules"

The young child of a 22-year-old adult couple may live in a Home with other YAs, without any 25-year-olds needing to be present. However, other than small children living with their young parents, or teens receiving permission to live with an older sibling, if there are not two people in a Home who are at least 25, there shouldn't be members younger than 18, although the CC can make exceptions to this rule in certain cases. As with the few other restrictions on the 16- and 17-year-old age group, this rule is mainly for legal reasons. (Please refer to the "Right of Mobility" for details on parental permission necessary for teens joining other Homes.)

Change in the "Right of Mobility"

(Explanation unchanged.)

If you wish to open a Home in a city in your present country that already has one or more Charter Homes, you must follow the "Procedures for Opening a Home in a City That Already Has a Charter Home." As in point B.1 above, if there will be senior teens in the Home, the need for having two members 25 years of age or older will apply, unless there is an older sibling living in the Home and the RCC has granted permission. CC permission is required where there will not be an older sibling living in the Home.

Senior teens, those ages 16 and 17, may also move to a new Home providing they have their parents' written permission, as outlined earlier in point A.1.b., and two members of the new Home are at least 25 years of age. 16- and 17-year-old members may apply to live in a Home if they have a sibling 18 years of age or older living in that Home, even if the Home does not have two members over 25 years of age.

In many countries throughout the world, 16- and 17-year-olds living away from their parents or siblings with those under 25 is considered very irresponsible, and in some cases even illegal. And since the Bible says that we should "abstain from all appearance of evil" (1Thessalonians 5:22), it is best for the overall Family's sake that 16- and 17-year-olds be in Homes with older Family members. This does not take away from your "Right of Mobility"; it only means that if you are going to another Home, or opening a new Home, you must either have an older sibling in the Home and permission from the Rules and Clearance Council, or two of your co-workers must be 25 years of age or older. In rare cases the CC may make exceptions for someone under 18 to live in a Home where they do not have a parent or older sibling, even if that Home doesn't have two members 25 years of age or older.

30. Guardian Permission for Senior Teens to Have Sex

Although senior teens must have parental permission before they can engage in sexual intercourse, the question was raised concerning times when they move away from their parents. We have added to the Charter that senior teens who move away from their parents' Home must receive permission from their guardians in their new Home before engaging in sexual intercourse.

Change in "Sex and Affection Rules"

(Explanation unchanged.)

Let's explore the following hypothetical situations: There is a 16-year-old girl in a Home who has been getting to know several teen boys in her Home. She has even begun having dates with one of them from time to time.

On the other hand, the mother and father or guardian of this young woman have serious reservations as to whether or not their daughter is ready to take on the serious responsibility which can result should she engage in sexual intercourse with the young man in question. Their daughter has not given much thought to the subject of marriage, nor has the young man who she has grown close to. They simply feel attracted to each other and like spending time together. Neither the young woman nor the young man in this picture are necessarily prepared and/or prayed up on the subject of having a baby together should they have intercourse.

Due to the Lord and Dad and Mama's counsel to the Family that pregnancy should in most cases result in marriage, the parent(s) or guardian(s) of this 16-year-old girl have a say in who their daughter's mate might be, especially since this is only the first year since she has begun having more serious interaction with those of the opposite sex.

Then there is also the factor that should an unexpected pregnancy occur, a great part of the soon-to-be-mother's care will fall on the parent(s') or guardian(s) shoulders. Therefore their daughter having intercourse is essentially a family matter affecting more than just their daughter and the young man whom she is close to. The parent(s) or guardian(s) understandably want to have a say in what may be a long-term, serious decision affecting all of their lives.

This policy does not hinder young people from spending time together and even having dates without parental or guardian permission, although they should counsel about their relationships with their parent(s) or guardian(s) or shepherds as well, as already stated in the Charter. It is simply letting them know that they need to ask their resident parent(s) or guardian(s) before engaging in sexual intercourse or any sexual acts that could result in pregnancy. This will also cause young people to realize that going beyond this point is potentially taking their relationship into the realm of parenthood.

31. Charter Member Contracts

Senior teens' signing the Charter member contract upon reaching 18 has now been added to the "Home Life Rules." We hope to have later versions of the TeleTRF automatically prompt the Home teamwork when someone on the Home's personnel roster turns 16 or 18, and request the teamwork to either print out the form(s) to mail in, or fill out electronic Charter member form(s) included in the TeleTRF to email in with the present month's TeleTRF.

Addition to "Home Life Rules"

The Charter member contract and the Charter member provisional contract are presently available from your reporting office.

32. Election Rules

There was a contradiction in the Charter concerning the election rules that had to do with nominating Home members for the teamwork. The explanation in the "Election Rules" differed from that in the Home Election Guidelines LNF in Appendix D. The Charter clause has been modified to fit the explanation in the appendix.

Change in "Election Rules"

Teamwork elections should generally be conducted something like this: Before the elections, the Home should decide exactly what teamwork positions their Home will have. They must have three teamworkers who are responsible for Personnel, Outreach, Business, and Childcare (unless there are no children). However, they may want to have a separate teamworker for teens, and/or some other portfolios, depending on the size and need of the Home.

A week before the election the voting members should read the Home Election Guidelines LNF in Appendix D. They would then submit nominations for those they feel should be on each of the teamwork positions. The list of nominees who receive a second to their nomination, and who agree to be nominated to that position, would be displayed in the Home as a reminder to everyone as to who has been nominated to the different teamwork positions.

On election day the Home would decide which teamwork position will be voted on first, second, etc. A "position" may contain more than one portfolio, if the Home has decided on a three-person teamwork. For example, some Homes may decide to combine the outreach portfolio with the business portfolio, though another Home may feel it best to combine the outreach portfolio with the personnel portfolio. Then the Home would, from the list of nominees for that position, vote for someone to fill the first position. These votes would then be counted, and the person who had the most votes for that position would be announced. Then the Home would vote for someone to fill the second position, again from the list of nominees for that position. In like manner, each succeeding position would be voted for until they are all filled. Even though a Home member may be nominated to more than one position, they can only be elected to one. Once a nominee is elected to a position, he or she will not be eligible to run for any additional teamwork positions he or she may have been nominated to.

Once elected, new Home officers should read the "Obligations of All Family Officers" and the "Responsibilities and Authority of Home Officers," and take time to hear from the Lord in prophecy for any specifics He has for them in their new job, and areas they can continue to work on and grow in when it comes to the care of their Home and its members.

33. No Response Counting as an Abstention in Home Referendums

The Charter has been amended to clarify that if a Home does not send in a vote on a given area referendum within the prescribed voting time frame, that will automatically be counted as an abstention.

Changes in "Election Rules"

34. 3% Common Pot

As explained in the "3% Monthly Common Pot Referendum Passes" (LNF 287), each CM Home worldwide is now required to contribute 3% of its income to their Common Pot on a monthly basis. It is no longer a yearly referendum, but has now become a permanent Charter requirement. This means Homes failing to send in 3% for the Common Pot will be subject to the same Charter procedures as when a Home doesn't send in their 10% tithe or 1% FAF gift.

Change in "Basic Responsibilities of the Charter Home"

Homes must send in their TeleTRF, tithe, 1% FAF and 3% Common Pot contributions on time each month in accordance with the "World Service Reporting and Mailing Rules" listed in the "Fundamental Family Rules."

As the Bible and the Letters teach, the Lord expects His people to tithe. The tithe is 10% of all new cash income to the Home. (For details on what should be tithed, see FSM 331, "Answers to Your Tithing, FAF, HER, Pioneer Gift, and Home Loan Questions.") The minimum tithe is $100, except in some countries specifically granted exception by WS due to poor economic conditions. There is no monthly $10 minimum on the FAF or $30 minimum on the Common Pot. The FAF and CP contributions are simply 1% and 3%, respectively, of the Home's total new cash income for the month.

(Remainder of explanation unchanged.)

All of the Homes within an area, country, or city can have united goals that Homes in that particular area are expected to attempt to achieve. Such goals must not contravene the Charter or the "Fundamental Family Rules," so they can't take away any of the rights granted under the "Charter of Responsibilities and Rights."

There are only two ways such goals can be established:

1.) The first is if WS publishes a directive declaring that the worldwide Family, or a certain area or city, must attempt to achieve a certain goal. On the rare occasion that World Services might make such a decree, they will publish it electronically or in print, clearly stating that it is a worldwide, area, country or city goal. In other words, if WS issues such a decree, it will not be ambiguous. No one will be able to erroneously come up to you and say that you "must do such-and-such because it is a WS-declared area goal" unless such a goal has been clearly stated as such in an official publication.

2.) The second method for establishing such a goal, and the method that will most commonly be used, is through a Home referendum. The rules governing Home referendums are listed under the "Election Rules" in the "Fundamental Family Rules."

This means that other than a WS-established goal, an area goal cannot be established without a vote of the Homes affected. Once the majority of the Homes in an area, country, or city agree that a measure should become a goal, then all the Homes in the area, country, or city are expected to endeavor to achieve it.

So if an area wants to have a united project or a "push" that everyone is expected to participate in, it must first be confirmed in a Home referendum as an area goal.

One example could be an effort to raise extra funds to produce a special witnessing tool. Any area, country, or city wishing to implement such giving would need to receive the Homes' agreement through a Home referendum. In the Home referendum section of the "Election Rules" it explains that Home referendums on financial matters are established by a two-thirds majority of the area Homes. So in this case, two-thirds of the Homes must agree before it becomes an area goal.—Whereas in nonfinancial matters, such as coordinating witnessing areas within a given metropolitan area, a simple majority is the criterion. All area and country goals, other than WS-suggested goals, are subject to a vote of confirmation, which should be organized every six months, according to the "Election Rules" in the "Fundamental Family Rules."

35. Mailing Address Options and Reporting Requirements

It is no longer a requirement that a Home maintain a separate P.O. box or mail service address for their WS mailings. Homes in sensitive countries or areas may still be asked to continue receiving their mailings at a separate address for security reasons if the CC feels it best.

Change in "World Service Reporting and Mailing Rules"

Homes must have a valid street address, P.O. box, or a mail service to receive their WS mailings at. Also, as of September 1, 2003, it is strongly suggested that all Homes have a working ISP, and it is required that every Home have its own email address. In rare instances on difficult pioneer fields, having a working email address may not be possible. In those cases, the CC can make exceptions.

Homes must send in their TRF, tithe ($100 minimum, or $50 in poor mission fields as specified by WS), 1% FAF and 3% Continental Common Pot contributions on time.

The ROs, in consultation with the CC and WS, decide on what day the Homes in their area must send in their TeleTRFs and on the method of collecting the Homes' reports, tithes, and gifts according to what is best and legal in their country. Information about the TRF address and tithe procedures is something that only the teamwork or those involved need to know.

As of November 2002, all CM Homes must use the electronic TeleTRF for their monthly report. It is strongly recommended that the TeleTRF be emailed to the RO using the Home's ISP. If a Home does not have an ISP, the TeleTRF can be sent to the RO from a location outside the Home, such as from a local Internet café. In rare instances on difficult pioneer fields, using the electronic TeleTRF may not be possible. In those cases, the CC can make exceptions.

Change in "Procedures for Placing a Home on Probationary Notice"

36. MO Website Passwords and Login ID

The question was raised whether it was acceptable for Charter members to share file copies of the GNs and other Family pubs downloaded from the Family "Members Only" website. LNF 284 stated that members could not share file copies of the GNs with other CM members. However, in further prayer and counsel, the Lord confirmed that it's okay to share these pub files, with the exception of emailing the GN files, with other Family members eligible to have them. File copies are treated as paper copies and are subject to the guidelines in "Classifications of Family Membership and Literature."

However, a Home cannot give out its "Members Only" login ID and password to those not currently members of their Charter Home.

Addition to "Home Life Rules"

The pubs, news, photos and information available on the MO site is available to all Charter Family members. However, in order to restrict access to only those who are eligible to log on to the site, it is required that each Home have their own access for use by their members. A Home or its members may not share their login or password with those who are not currently members of the Home, or log on to the MO site for them.

As an added precaution, the Home should also regularly change their MO website password.

A CM member from another Home can either read the downloaded online GNs they are eligible for while in your Home, or take a printed or file copy of an online GN they are eligible for with them. However, file copies of the GNs should not be shared via email with any person who is not a current member of your Home, unless permission is granted by the RCC for an exceptional case.

37. AIDS Testing for Those Who Have Blood Transfusions

There have been serious accidents and certain medical procedures requiring Family members to receive a blood transfusion requiring the use of a non-CM member's blood, and although most countries have blood screening for HIV-tainted blood, it is nevertheless possible to contract the virus through transfusions. All who have a blood transfusion in the future must now have AIDS testing six months after the transfusion before engaging in any sexual acts with other Charter members. If you have had a blood transfusion in the past, we would also like to ask that you get AIDS testing. There is nothing wrong with getting a blood transfusion, if needed. However, because of our communal lifestyle, this has been added to the Charter only as a precautionary measure to help prevent the possible spread of AIDS in the Family.

Addition to "Sex and Affection Rules"

38. AIDS Testing Follow-up

It's now necessary for those having had sex with outsiders to send a written statement, via email or other means, of their HIV tests results, to their Rules and Clearance Council before they will be able to have sex with other Charter members. It is no longer required to take two HIV tests after having sex with a non-Charter member before sharing with Charter members again, though it is still required for new disciples and FMers becoming CM to have two HIV tests six months apart.

Change in "Procedures for Accepting New Disciples Into a Charter Home"

In addition to the Letters on sex in the "New Disciple Basic Course," near the end of their first six months in the Family new disciples must read through the "Living the Lord's Law of Love" GN series (published in GNs 804 to 814 and reprinted in Lifelines 25), in order to get a full understanding of their responsibilities in sexual relationships. Only upon completing the reading of this series can they begin having sex with others, providing of course they have been cleared by a second HIV test at the end of their first six months in the Charter Family.

Change in "Procedures for Moving Fellow Members to Charter Member Status"

39. HSEC No Longer Required

The HSEC has been dropped as a Home requirement. The HSEC form is on the TeleTRF CD, so is available to fill out as needed, but it is no longer necessary to send the HSEC to your reporting office every six months. At times your VSs or COs may ask your Home to fill out the HSEC, such as during or prior to their visit to your Home to review together with the Home while visiting.

Addition to "Basic Responsibilities of the Charter Home"

Change to introduction to "Appendix C: Home Self-Evaluation Checklist"

This form is meant to be an easy-reference summary of the Charter, as well as a self-help voluntary checklist that you can avail yourselves of at any time. However, you must fill it out in a united Home meeting upon the request of an area or continental officer.

Copyright © 2003 by The Family