GC25: HOW (NOT) TO RUN A CHAPTER
At one level of things, this is a 'sleeper' - there are more pressing and important issues for the moment, viz., the successful completion of the Chapter's immediate task, the documents arising from the work of the commissions. At another level, it is very much an alive issue, and one that will be taken up in a proposal worked up under the aegis of Commission #6.
This correspondent has been able to peruse the views (written) from a range of sources within the Chapter; there seems to be general acceptance that the existing process is ponderous and less appropriate now than it was, if indeed it ever once was the most appropriate, effective means to carry through the work of such a body.
The problem is framed succinctly enough by Francis Alencherry in Thinking Aloud #10, as he aw it at that time: "after one month of discussing and drafting, we are nowhere near a final document. The procedure is laborious and often frustrating, particularly to those who have to spend hours and hours drafting documents. Many are asking themselves whether a better and faster method could not be used. Perhaps there is a better method. It needs to be explored. But here, as in many other fields, the fear of change is a gripping factor. The unknown is frightening. It is safer to hold on to what one has already tested. The result is that we go from one frustration to another. Will someone have the courage to suggest something new by way of procedure at least?"
Commission #6 will put to the vote a proposal that the Rector Major and his council look at this whole question and come up with a better process. There is little doubt it will receive wide support. And Fr. Francis Alencherry is now on the council that will have the task.
