United Church of God, an International Association

Council of Elders Meeting Report

Monday, February 11, 2002 – Teleconference

The Council of Elders met by teleconference today to authorize the president to obtain financing for a portion of the cost of the new home office building. They also reviewed a 1997 Council resolution regarding public discussion by Council members of issues to be acted upon by the General Conference of Elders.

Financing for Home Office Building

Progress continues on the new home office building. At this stage, the bank requires an official statement from the Council authorizing the president to obtain the necessary mortgage for a portion of the cost of the building. After some discussion, Aaron Dean proposed, and Robert Dick seconded the following resolution:

Whereas, the Council of Elders desires to partially pay for the new home office building with the proceeds of a loan, and

Whereas, it therefore desires to authorize the President (according to the terms of paragraph 9.1.1 (2) of the Bylaws of the Church) to negotiate and execute a loan agreement in an amount not to exceed $1,600,000,

It is hereby resolved that the Council of Elders authorizes the President to negotiate and execute a 15-year variable rate loan agreement, at an interest rate of 225 basis points above the 5-year treasury note rate (but not to exceed 7.2%), with the loan rate guaranteed for the first five years, for a loan amount not to exceed $1,600,000, and under such other terms and conditions deemed appropriate by the President.

The resolution was unanimously approved (Richard Thompson absent).

Public Discussion of Amendments

Chairman Roy Holladay then asked the Council to give its input on an issue that has recently surfaced.

In early 1997, during the time the Church was determining the permanent location of the home office, the Council passed a resolution requiring its members not to publicly discuss "issues and resolutions" that were before the General Conference for decision. The reason was to avoid politicizing the highly sensitive issue of where the home office would be located.

This year, there are two amendments before the General Conference. One has been put forward by four Council members (not by the entire Council). Since there is a difference of opinion on the proposed amendment, should Council members be free to express their views publicly or answer questions in a public venue, such as the Elders Forum? Discussion revealed that most Council members would prefer to express their opinions, but that they believe the previous resolution blocks such expression. Mr. Holladay had earlier asked that all members review the 1997 resolution. The Council decided that Gary Antion, chairman of the Rules, Roles and Process Committee, should work with the committee to suggest a revised statement which could be presented at the Cincinnati Council meetings beginning February 27. Mr. Holladay thanked all for their input and adjourned the teleconference.

-Doug Johnson

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Ó 2002 United Church of God, an International Association