LC: 10. BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHARTER HOME
The Charter Home:
A. Lives in accordance with the "Charter of Responsibilities and Rights" and obeys the "Fundamental Family Rules."
Charter Homes, like Charter Members, are expected live in accordance with the "Charter of Responsibilities and Rights" and to obey the "Fundamental Family Rules." The definition of "endeavor" is "to make an earnest attempt." So a Charter Home must make a conscientious and concerted effort, an earnest attempt, to live in accordance with the "Charter of Responsibilities and Rights" and obey the "Fundamental Family Rules."
In the "Fundamental Family Rules" it states that rules are to be obeyed at all times by everyone, with exceptions only in rare or unavoidable circumstances. There are times when it might not be possible to obey a rule, but these should be rare. xe "Violation of Charter/Rules:loss of If a Home persistently disregards the "Fundamental Family Rules," it will be placed on Probationary Notice, and its members will be in jeopardy of losing their Charter membership.
Solid, qualified, bona fide Family members, whole-hearted, trustworthy, reliable, justifiable!--I don't want any other kind of Family members!... [We want] good people who really love the Lord and are really obedient and obeying God and me and the Family and the Family rules, and are doing the job! (ML #1730:82.)
B. Fulfills the reporting requirements, in accordance with World Service Reporting and Mailing Rules.
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Homes must send in their TRF, tithe, and 1% FAF contribution on time each month, as well as their Home Self-Evaluation Checklist every six months, in accordance with the World Service Reporting and Mailing Rules listed in the "Fundamental Family Rules."
Your TRF report of your activities and how much you're witnessing and litnessing and soul-winning, etc., is just as important as your tithe, and we need to know how you're getting along and what you are accomplishing for the Lord! We want to know your spiritual condition. You're one of our sheep of our pasture and we are your shepherds, and we want to make sure we are doing a good job of shepherding and feeding you, and that you're doing a good job as a sheep in not only grazing on our pastures, but also in producing wool and meat for the Master's use! If you want the [pubs] from us, get your report [TRF] and gift [tithe] in on time!!!--Or no mag! (ML #888:4; 886:PS.)
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C. Tithes to World Services a minimum of 10% of its income as well as contributes a further 1% to the Family Aid Fund (FAF), and shares with World Services from its abundance through added gifts.
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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 $10 minimum on the FAF. It is simply 1% of the Home's total cash income for the month.
In addition to tithing, the Lord indicates that He also expects His children to give offerings above their tithe. Malachi 3:8 says, "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me. But you say, wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings." This passage indicates that the Lord not only said His people were robbing Him via the non-payment of their tithes, but also in the non-giving of freewill gifts and offerings when they had the financial capabilities of doing so, and so He wasn't blessing them.
So besides tithing on its cash and monetary income, a Charter Home is expected to share of its abundance with World Services. If a Home receives a substantial abundance--for example, a Home member receives an inheritance--they are expected to lay it at the Apostles' feet in accordance with Acts 4:34 and 35. We're not indicating that the Home has to give all of its abundance, but that it shares the abundance. In such a case, World Services' practice has always been to suggest that the person who receives such a windfall use some of it for their personal needs, and/or for their Home and area needs, and then share as much as possible with World Services so that the whole Family can benefit from the Lord's supply.
It is our belief that when the Lord supplies a large inheritance, gift or other windfall that He is generally giving it not only in answer to the local Home's prayers, but also in answer to the worldwide Family's prayers for finances.--And that He is using the recipient of that gift to help supply the need of the whole work.
Your tithe, according to God's Word, must come to us, your spiritual leadership, your modern Temple, World Services and its many Family Temple ministries. Your gifts above that may also come to us as your investment brokers for the Lord, to put them where we feel they're going to get the best dividends, the best returns, the best interest and accomplish the most, and where it's most needed ... and God will reward you accordingly (ML #928:258)
D. Regularly engages in evangelism.
As explained in the Responsibilities of Individual Members, G. evangelism is "zealous preaching and dissemination of the Gospel, such as through missionary work." Every Home is expected to witness and preach the Gospel with zeal.
Our job, the job that God has given to each of His children, is to give His Word and His Love to others, to preach the Gospel, to sow the seed, to witness!--That's what God has called us for. Jesus commanded His disciples to "Go ye into all the World, and preach the Gospel (Good News) to every creature" (Mark 16:15).--And we must likewise do the same. For "the harvest (of hungry, searching souls) truly is plenteous, but the laborers (the workers who will gather them in) are few" (Matthew 9:37). (ML #731:126.)
[Witnessing] is not an option!--It's a commandment! (ML #144:17.)
He won't bless any other area if you neglect the number one job we have to do, preach the Word, and number two, try to win those to whom we preach it (ML #697:51).
E. Endeavors to achieve the goals of the continental area, country and/or city in which the Home resides.
1. The goals of the continental area, country, and/or city cannot violate or contravene the "Charter of Responsibilities and Rights" or the "Fundamental Family Rules," and can only be established by:
a) A published World Services' directive, which specifically declares the goal.
(or)
b) A Home referendum of the Homes affected, in accordance with the Election Rules.
(1) The continental office must inform WS leadership of the outcome of any Home referendum affecting continental areas or countries.
2. All area goals other than WS-suggested goals are subject to a vote of confirmation, in accordance with the Election Rules.
All of the Homes within a continental area or a country or a 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 that declares 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 in writing, 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 a written 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 would be the 3% donation that many Homes in various areas donate to the local Common Pot to cover local area expenses. For the most part, this plan has proven to be very beneficial. Any continental area, country or city wishing to continue or to implement such giving to the local Common Pot 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 only by a two-thirds majority of the area Homes. So in the case of the donation to the local Common Pot, two-thirds of the Homes must agree before it becomes an area goal.--Whereas in non-financial matters, such as matters like coordinating witnessing areas within a given metropolitan area, a simple majority is the criterion.
All continental, 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."
Decisions which affect other Colonies in an area should not be made without consultation with them, either getting their vote by phone, or [a] meeting (ML #297:80).
Please be prayerful about any new changes, and counsel and pray with those in your Home or in your fellowship area, as well as with your [CROs], about any major policy changes (Maria #83:13).
F. Allocates time on the specified election dates for its members to prayerfully elect competent Home officers, in free and fair elections by secret ballot, in accordance with the Election Rules.
For details on the dates for Home teamwork elections, please see the Election Rules in the "Fundamental Family Rules."
Each Home is supposed to have regular teamwork elections, but to help you make sure that these elections take place, we are requiring them to be held on [specific] dates (ML #2865:68).
G. Can make Home regulations by a simple majority, which Home members agree to abide by.
The voting members of the Home can vote to establish Home regulations which they feel are necessary for the functioning of their Home. Examples of Home regulations could include the Home schedule, inside/outside shoes, usage of certain equipment in the Home, etc. There are numerous Letters and other pubs that give guidance on all aspects of Family life that the Home may want to implement by making them Home regulations.
Once such matters have been discussed and voted in by a majority vote of the Home's voting members, these Home regulations must be adhered to by the Home members. (A Home does, of course, have the right to modify or drop such Home regulations at any time, if the majority of the Home agrees.) A list of the Home's regulations should be kept in the Home library for reference.
From now on, every local Home shall immediately form a Home council of its total membership of Leadership and LTs and staff, except babes, chaired by the Home shepherd. ... The Home council shall make these decisions and establish the rules of the Home ... by at least a majority vote on each issue (ML #329B:1,3; DB6).
I like you to run yourselves, so to speak, and take care of your own administration, take care of your own schedules and work and jobs and duties and all of this sort of thing. Because that's part of your training as leaders, to learn to make your own decisions about those matters that affect you and others (ML #2234:13).
H. Allocates sufficient and regular time for all required Home meetings as listed in the Required Meetings and Activities.
Please refer to the Required Meetings and Activities section of the "Fundamental Family Rules" for what is required in the way of meetings and activities. As you will notice, these meetings and activities have been derived from the DTR requirements.
Homes should have daily Home meetings and/or devotions together and ... business meetings to decide Home business (ML #329B:2; DB6).
I. Works in harmony with other Homes in the continental area, country or city.
Homes within a city, country or continental area are expected to work in harmony with each other. It is inevitable that there will occasionally be problems between Homes, which will need to be worked out, but when there are, it is expected that they will be prayerfully, lovingly and unselfishly resolved between the Homes involved. If necessary, arbitration of problems may need to involve the VS or CRO.
For God's sake and your own sake and His work's sake and even the World's sake, please work together so that you may be found worthy of those greater responsibilities of His coming Kingdom on Earth, and that you may learn the lessons now that you will need to know in the days to come when you will be needed to rule the whole World (ML #1209:88).
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J. Participates in at least one city council meeting during any given two-month period, if located in a city or metropolitan area with more than one Charter Home.
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1. It is the responsibility of the city council chairperson to see that a written record of all city council decisions is kept, and made available to the area office upon request. The chairperson is also responsible to pass any meeting notes on to the next chairperson when he leaves this post.
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In order to coordinate their witnessing, provisioning and other activities, and to promote harmony and cooperation between Homes, every city or metropolitan area that has more than one Charter Home must form a city council. Preferably city council meetings should be held monthly, but are required at least every two months. Every Home in the city is required to send a representative to at least one city council meeting in a given two month period. The chairperson is responsible to see that written notes are kept of all decisions made at city council meetings.
We trust you'll appreciate the fellowship that these city council meetings offer, and that just being able to pray together, sing a few songs together, share some positive uplifting testimonies and how-to's, as well as relax together and have a time to chat with others in the area will be very beneficial, even if no business matters and city coordination are discussed in the initial meeting or two held in a city where the city council is just starting off.
K. Refrains from engaging in activities that reflect negatively on other Homes in their continental area or country or on the Family in general.
The customs and mores of society vary from country to country, so something that is acceptable in one country may not be acceptable in another. Homes therefore need to be sensitive to the customs and values of the country in which they reside, and should try not to engage in activities that are considered offensive. By engaging in unacceptable behavior, a Home's actions could reflect negatively on the other Homes in the city, country or continental area, or the Family in general. In such a case, a Home would be expected to refrain from the activity, or face appropriate discipline from the VS or CRO. Depending on the offense, the discipline may range from an admonition to the Home to being placed on Probationary Notice.
We ought to conduct ourselves in these countries in such a fashion that the people of the country and its officials will be proud to have us there and thankful for us because we're doing their country good (ML #1202:41).
[You] need to learn something about the culture and the customs ... and their dress and all that sort of thing, their taboos. You don't want to offend them with certain things, even foods, etc. ... [You need to know] the general culture and customs and mores of the people, how you should dress and not dress, what offends them and doesn't, and what to say and not to say.--What to do and not do in polite society, in other words, or even on the common street what is expected (ML #1214:73,74).
L. Informs and seeks counsel from their continental office before participating in national, international or other major media interviews, documentaries, movies, books, written rebuttals, press releases or articles in the name of the Family.
1. The continental office may give prior authorization to specific spokespersons to conduct media interviews and/or write rebuttals or press releases without first informing or counseling with the continental office.
(or:)
2. The continental office may give prior authorization to specific spokespersons to conduct media interviews and/or write rebuttals or press releases without first informing or counseling with the continental office, on the understanding that the spokesperson will first counsel with specified area officers.
Dealing with the media can be a very tricky and precarious matter, and it can have serious repercussions if mishandled. This clause is included to ensure that Homes counsel with their CROs before becoming involved in any major media interaction. This includes any media that will affect the whole country ("national") or other countries ("international") or any other "major media interviews." It covers media outreach that is conducted in the name of the Family, or in the name of a local work that is known as the Family. (For example, the 21st Century School, the official name of the HCS, is well known to be the Family.)
If the media interview is a local affair--for example, if the local newspaper wants to do an article on your Home's "Consider the Poor" outreach--this would not fall under the definition of "national, international or major," and therefore would not require the Home to seek prior counsel and approval from the continental office. (If, however, you live in a major city, and the "local newspaper" is published nationally, then you would need to check with your continental office before granting the interview, since such an article could have national ramifications.)
If a major or national newspaper wants to do a two-page spread about the Family, it would be considered a major article and thus would have to be counseled about with your continental office.
If the local TV station wants to film your children's singing group, it would be fine for the Home to go ahead with it as a local decision, but if a national or international TV or radio station was requesting permission to film a documentary or TV show or movie, then it would have to be counseled about beforehand.
There are times when national or international interviews must be given on the spot. An example of this was when the Argentina raids took place and the press immediately began banging on the door of the Media Home in England, wanting their response. There was no time for the media spokesmen there to get permission from the CRO to speak to the media; they had to go on the attack right away. To cover such situations, there is a provision allowing the CROs to appoint specific media spokespersons who are authorized to speak to major media outlets without first consulting the CRO. However, this advance authorization does not cover undertaking the filming of documentaries or movies, or major, in-depth magazine or newspaper articles, or writing or collaborating with those writing books about the Family, without first consulting with the CROs.
We have attempted to outline situations where there is sufficient time to consider counseling about such media decisions. However, in a case of extreme emergency when there isn't time, such as your Home being raided as were the Homes in Australia, France and Argentina, you would probably need to immediately speak to the press without awaiting CRO approval. If such is the case, you should proceed as you feel led of the Lord, and inform your CRO as soon as possible afterwards.
Under non-emergency conditions, if a major media outlet representative were to arrive at your door for an interview, and your CRO has not appointed anyone in your Home who is authorized to speak with the major media without first checking with the CRO, then your response to them should be to politely direct the inquirer to the main media spokesperson for the country, much like an employee of a company would if questioned about their company. (This would not be the case if your Home had just been raided, as outlined above.) It is advised that each Home have a phone number where the main media spokesperson for the country or area can be reached. If you give the phone number of the media spokesperson to someone, you should inform your media spokesperson as soon as possible.
M. Obtains written permission from their continental office before engaging in any verbal or written legal agreements in the name of the Family, Family entities, or any Family authorized companies, or acting as an official representative, other than sales representative, of any Family publications, productions, or companies.
As a Family member, you represent the Family to those to whom you witness and minister. However, when it comes to legal agreements involving the Family, or Family authorized companies, only those authorized to represent the Family in legal matters have the authority to act. Such authority must be granted, in writing, by the CRO after consultation with WS leadership.
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It is important to realize when representing the Family or one of the Family authorized companies, that you do not give any implied consensual (verbal) agreement to some other company or producer, for example, who may want to help promote or sell our products, without first getting counsel from your CRO office. Otherwise, they may misconstrue your enthusiasm or verbal consent to their ideas as permission to act. In some countries, consensual (verbal) agreement often constitutes a contract to do business.
So therefore it is wiser to be more cautious when talking with or negotiating with any other businessmen or companies and clearly state that you will need to "counsel with others" or "counsel with your head office," before proceeding further with any commercial sales, contracts or related projects.
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For example: If someone in your Home meets a music producer who wants to record and help promote and support our music and work, it is better to go slow. Clearly explain that you will need to get some advice first before he proceeds any further with his ideas or plans. Business discussions and negotiations always take time in the business world, so it is best not to feel pressured to enter into something (or even verbally agree to it) without counsel from your CRO office.
I don't want to lose the rights to our songs or anything we have where we cannot produce, sell, and distribute them ourselves. I don't want any kind of contract that limits us from either productions, sales or anything! I'm not about to begin to sign over all of our rights to anything, and anybody that does is a fool! And anybody who does in our outfit without authorization, we'll disown them! (ML #283A:2,14.)
I agree with your [top Family leadership] trying to control all our worldwide copyrights as much as possible and also supervise any further contracts with outsiders (ML #311C:23).
Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family