October 8, 2019 Meeting of Chapter, Third Order, Society of Saint Francis, Province of the Americas

The Following members of Chapter were present: Desiree Archer, Tracey Fiore Carroll, Janet Fedders Celso Franco De Oliveira, Verleah Kosloske, Josiah (Jotie) Noel, Liz Peacock, John Rebstock, Alison Saichek, Richard Simpson, Janet Strickler, and Peter Stube. Jeff Golliher arrived on Wednesday, October 10. Also present Br. Desmond Alban, SSF, Sister Jean, CSF, Lucinda Dyer, TSSF, Masud Ibn Syedullah, TSSF and Bruce Kay, OEF Chapter member Rt. Rev. Claude Berkley and Bishop Protector Rt. Rev. David Rice were unable to be present

The meeting convened at 8:49 am

Rick Simpson led us in prayer. Charlie McCarron gave us a reading from St. Francis’ letter to a minister provincial who wanted to go live in a hermitage.

Janet Fedders welcomed our visitors, Bruce Kay from OEF, Lucinda Dyer, Sr. Jean, and Br. Desmond. She conveyed Bishop Claude Berkley’s apologies for being unable to attend. Bishop Rice was unable to attend due to conflicts in his calendar. At the Ministers Meeting he encouraged us to be true to whom we are and stressed fellowship.

We then went around the table introducing ourselves to the group.

Sister Jean, CSF was professed in 1970. She met Father Joseph when she first came to the USA in 1974. She has been coming to Chapter for many years, but this is her last. Next year will be her 90th birthday and she plans to cut back on travel.

Jotie reports that Canada is working toward a greater sense of Franciscan community. Virtual fellowship has helped bring him and others into community. They are working on getting a Bishop Protector for Canada.

Desiree brought greetings from members in Guyana especially including Charles Roland and Clarence Narain who are known to many of us.

We are being held in prayer by many and we are praying for others including Bishop Scruton’s wife who is having hip replacement today.

The new Chapter members were installed using a new service of installation.

The following agenda was approved by CONSENSUS: Tuesday, October 8 7:15 Lectio/ Community Obedience in small groups 8:00 Breakfast 8:45 Chapter Convenes Prayer (Rick Simpson) Reading from St. Francis Welcome visitors News or apologies, greetings not already disseminated Go around the table for introductions New Chapter member installation Approval of Agenda Approval of any leftover 2019 Zoom minutes Election of Standing Committee member for coming year Election of Fellowship Coordinator and Secretary 10:00-10:30 Bishop David 10:30 Provincial Minister’s Report Chapter business

12 noon Lunch 1 Chapter reconvenes

Budget Presentation and Discussion Chapter business Profession Approvals

6:00 Dinner (Invitation extended to Br. Juniper Fellowship with Eucharist afterwards) 7 Eucharist with Necrology and Renewals. (Chapel) Sacred Ecology lead-in to our two days of Going Deep.

Wednesday, October 9 (Wednesday and Thursday are purposefully left loose as far as planning goes.) 7:30 Morning Prayer (Chapel) 8:00 Breakfast GOING DEEP (Charlie McCarron and Stephen Blackmer) With lunch at 12; Eucharist during the day sometime, in the flow 6:00 dinner

Thursday, October 10 7:30 Morning Prayer (Chapel) 8:00 Breakfast GOING DEEP Again with lunch at 12; Eucharist during the day sometime, as on Wed.

6:00 Dinner Sharing from our Two-Day Experience Friday, October 11 7:15 Lectio/ community obedience in small groups 8:00 Breakfast 9 External Relations Report 9:30 Chapter Business continues 10:00 Hispanic Report 10:45 Chapter Business continues 11:20 Corporation Meeting 11:45 Reading from St. Francis, Lunch and Goodbyes

The September 24 Zoom minutes were approved by CONSENSUS.

Janet Strickler was elected to the Standing Committee for the coming year by CONSENSUS.

Peter Stube was elected as Fellowship Coordinator by CONSENSUS.

Lucinda Dyer was elected as Secretary effective December 1, 2019.

The next Zoom Chapter meeting will be November 26 at 8 pm EST.

Bishop David Rice sent a statement since he could not be with us. He sent his good wishes, love, and prayer.

Janet’s Minister Provincial Report

Since the August Ministers Meeting Janet has felt a deepening of her calling as Minister Provincial. She has dreamed that St. Francis’ heart is thrilled with what TSSF is doing.

Where there is fear of God to guard the dwelling, no enemy can enter. The Admonition.

As of October 7, 2019 we have a total of 507 in the Province of the Americas. There are 34 postulants, 50 novices, and 423 professed. We professed 17 people this year. In terms of numbers, Brazil has the second highest number, closely followed by Canada. Trinidad/Tobago and Guyana also have significant numbers. After those, the numbers fall in most places to single digits. The Province of the Americas covers 18 countries. We have 47 Fellowships in the US and Canada. In addition we have 3 virtual Fellowships. The regularity with which they meet depends on the distances involved. In the best case, they meet monthly; many meet quarterly.

As of the Ministers Meeting, we had professed 11 this year; with our September Chapter meeting, the number is now up to 17. We have 35 area chaplains for the US, Canada, Trinidad/Tobago, Guyana. Brazil has its own Chaplain.

The bursar will tell you about the financial health of the Order. We met budget only due to our call for donations. We completed the Rule experiment. Our methodology yielded helpful data. The ministers are giving it another two years to give other provinces a chance to do the experiment. Our Sacred Ecology ministry continues to evolve. Our retreat is about that. There is lots of room for the Holy Spirit. Steve Blackmer and Charlie McCarron are facilitating it. The purpose is for the leadership team to take a close look at who we are and how we will move forward in relation to the climate crisis. We are continuing to involve JPIC in our Ministers Meeting and Jeff Golliher will be bringing the information he took to the ministers to us when he arrives tomorrow. We sent out the English and Spanish versions out already. The Portuguese version will be distributed after it is translated. The Companions project is healthy and viable. There are 17 people working with the Companions. There are 101 Companions on the list and growing. Europe is interested in using our model for the Companions. The Secretary’s position has spun off two new clerks. John Rebstock is working on a robust mentoring program. The Publicity Committee developed a tool kit for the October 4 bell ringing.

New ideas in development include a Zoom chat room, podcasts using Saints Wisdom writings, and a revised Chaplaincy program. There is a new Swedish term, flygskam, to be ashamed of flying because of its impact on the environment. We need to converse about how we do things and how we affect the environment...

Janet visited Heart of Texas, then Dallas, the San Damiano retreat, and the Oscar Romero fellowship, South Carolina, Georgia, NAECC meeting, and the JCFU in St. Louis. Province 5 had big gathering in Kalamazoo and Janet was part of panel on Orders. In August she was at the Western Regional Convocation, the Northeast Regional Convocation, the Ministers Meeting, and then Brazil. All the meetings were fruitful and full. At Western and NERC she managed to speak to everyone and heard brilliant observations. In Brazil Janet was impressed by the depth of spirituality, the love of Francis and Clare, and the concern and work for the poor. All provinces have the same concerns and same joys. A burnt log represented what is happening in Amazon. In the middle of the meeting it started burning. Janet asked for more writing from Brazil in the Franciscan Times. She has monthly phone conversations with Desmond, Maggie, and Bishop Rice. She also has two weekly phone conversations with insightful members. Clark Berge will be her supervisor. Dorothy Booker said that lay Ministers Provincial need experienced supervision. Clark who is known to many of us was the Guardian at Little Portion and then served the Society of Saint Francis as Minister General. He is now Guardian of Hilfield in England and serves on the Board of Franciscans International. Clark’s late father William Berge was a tertiary.

Our Chapter demographics in terms of gender and the mix of clergy/laity now match our Provincial demographic. In our Province, we have an equal number of men and women. 55% are priests or deacons (or bishops). Most fellowships are seeing the fruits of going deeper.

Masud said that the Brazilians have helped our province rediscover joy. Janet said that they always remember Clare.

Chapter then addressed outstanding agenda Items

Going deeper with Sacred Ecology. Jeff will be talking about this and our retreat will be all about how our Order is going with that. John Rebstock said sacred ecology came from the top down. Janet said we will be working on this.

A change in the Constitution and replace Amendment A with Deed of Trust to adjust to changes in the UK Charities law.

Order shall have a Central Fund which shall be operated in accordance with the provisions of the Deed of Trust agreed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. CONSENSUS

Extra paragraph to be added. 1.4f(2019) The Central Fund was registered by the Charity Commission for England and Wales as a separate charity from TSSF on 5 April 2019 (Registration No. 1182834) CONSENSUS

Appendix A. The Central Fund of the Third Order, The Society of St Francis This was a simple two page document, which is replaced by the 19 page Deed of Trust plus two amendments Appendix A should be deleted. CONSENSUS

Insert Deed of Trust into Constitution CONSENSUS [See Attachment A]

Formation issues around novice and postulancy

The Fellowship and Formation Committee heard the concerns and spoke at length. They decided it is not a Chapter decision. They recommend a pastoral response and they also recommended establishing a committee to consider formation matters. Charlie McCarron will have oversight over the formation working group. Charlie said the meaning of the word oversight can be either “careful observation” or “overlooking.” We will look at the point where the discernment of person who feels the call and the discernment of the community intersect. Francis used a guardian, minister, or custodian for leadership, but called himself a mother. The spirit can be like the biblical dove or the Celtic wild goose. The working group will prayerfully look at formation and address issues. Jonathan Lloyd is to be the chair so Charlie can participate in a different way at meetings. Jonathan will be a non-anxious presence. He was archdeacon for Archbishop Welby in Europe. We are looking at formation and fellowship and things that are bubbling up to develop a doable charge and something that can be done in one year. They will report to Chapter monthly. Most meetings will be by Zoom. The question to approve a formation working group was agreed upon by CONSENSUS

Assistant Fellowship Coordinator for Ongoing Formation (from the Garden) From the Fellowship/Formation Committee. Rick noted that in the Chaplain’s office there is provision for assistant chaplains. He recommends increasing the circle of leadership. Peter wants to increase and possibly replace a few people. We want to include people in other countries. The statutes allow the Fellowship Coordinator to appoint assistants so there is no need for Chapter approval.

Virtual fellowships have been going for over 4 years. Some have gone to Zoom fellowships, a technology that works better than Google Hangouts. Tracey has an information document she sends to people who are interested. We now have 3 Zoom fellowships and a 4th is evolving. Cloud is the largest fellowship in this part of the Order. They are now experimenting with a 4th fellowship that meets on Pacific Time. Also there is now a What’sApp group to do group chats. There are five of from Province of the Americas and one from England in the What’s App group. They are reading a book together. The Facebook Fellowship didn’t really engage with each other and is coming to an end for now. We’ve had professions on Zoom. Tracey got to listen on the phone to Steve Ewbanks profession. Zoom was in the room with a live congregation for the profession.

New Umbrian Fellowship now meets on Zoom because of the travel time and people who are housebound. They include Zoom in their meetings. Jotie said that we are breaking open the concept of fellowship now. Tracey would like to open up the What’sApp and Zoom groups for cross-pollination. Charlie says that his experience of What’sApp is that it is immediate and spontaneous.

Time involved in Chapter Elections –

Report from Committee: Changing statute regarding timing of Chapter elections. The current three-month intervals were intended to allow mail to reach Guyana and be returned to the provincial secretary from there. Desiree told us this year that this is not working. A number of people in Guyana to whom we sent email or postal mail did not receive the nomination or election materials. She has volunteered to be part of a test whereby the election materials are emailed to her and she distributes them within Guyana. Verleah suggests that we table this proposed agenda item (or put it in the garden, as Janet says) for a year until we see whether the alternative system for distributing election materials to Guyana works during the nominations for Provincial Minister and how long it takes for tertiaries to respond. John Rebstock's proposed schedule will be worth considering for the second part of the process -- distribution and return of ballots -- but he doesn't propose any timeline for the first part of the process, request for nominations and return of nominations to the provincial secretary. We believe that another committee is looking into the nomination procedures. The outcome of that review should be considered in revising the statutes affecting the timing of Chapter elections. It may well be that we can tighten up the time allowed for Chapter nominations and elections before the time of the next Chapter election, but we recommend testing the new distribution system for Guyana to determine what is a reasonable length of time to allow. We also should consult tertiaries in the Caribbean to see how long it takes them to get mail and respond to it. Mail to and from Cuba seems to take about two months to make the round trip. That, of course, is subject to change.

Desiree says in Guyana it is best to send mail to the Diocese for further distribution. We will leave the current statute in place while we test a method of distribution for MP nominations next year. We have until 2022 to revise the statute for Chapter elections.

ACTION: Janet will inform John and Anita of this decision.

Weber Baker’s agenda item Future of TSSF

Francis’ original call was to rebuild the church.

I applaud TSSF moves in the direction of Environmental Issues and support action in the climate change arena myself. I know there are tertiaries for whom that is an impetus to action, just as for others civil rights and human rights, and peace are issues for action.

At the same time I have to ask if such a vision for the order is the one thing into which we should hook our action. Perhaps TSSF might consider a move in a more fundamentally Franciscan direction. Can TSSF not engrain itself more in the Episcopal church? Can we not help rebuild the church?

I am enough of an amateur historian to understand the history of the Order, both in the Roman and Anglican churches. I know that religious orders within the Anglican church were dissolved more for political and financial reasons than for spiritual ones. And that rebuilding such a relationship, establishing a spiritual authority, is difficult. But I also know that when Francis went to Pope Innocent III and asked that the Friars Minor be recognized by the church; the order was recognized not for is ordained clerical spirituality but for its Spirit led lay heart. And those early Franciscans and later ones as well were included as a part of the life of the church; not simply as a separate entity.

So while TSSF’s existence is recognized by the larger church we are not included in the daily life of the church (this goes back to my comment about never having been asked specifically to participate in the blessing of the animals by a rector who was well aware of the Franciscans in his parish).

But I also note that at the first attempt Innocent essentially told Francis to go get his act together and come back, (my loose interpretation of events). In that vein my thought is TSSF needs to build a strong basis for its own existence first. I know you have heard that formation is wonderful (and tough for many) but the follow up for the professed is lacking. Let’s shore up our house. Let’s establish a strong Franciscan life and presence in the church as well as in our own lives. This is how TSSF prepares environmental activists, civil rights activists, peace activists, etc. to live and thus shine as Franciscans; and to have the same personal spiritual strength that they can, like Francis, sit with the Sultan basking the love of the Creator.

This agenda item generated a 20-minute discussion. It was felt that it is calling for a more fundamentally Franciscan direction, to rebuild the church. We need to be rebuilding our spiritual authority within Anglican Church, a spirit-led lay heart. TSSF needs to build a strong basis for its existence first. John sees Weber’s concern as an example of the need for mentoring. We need more mutual encouragement. Weber is calling for greater integration between our Order and our parishes. Masud offered encouraging words on the relationship between TSSF and the Episcopal Church. New monasticism calls for new ways of relating to Orders. This may lead to proposals for General Convention 2021. A document on our website in Resources section shows TSSF’s final response to earlier unmeetable requirements of the House of Bishops. Masud would assure Weber that at the highest level of the Episcopal Church there is a fresh appreciation of religious communities in church and this will be reflected in proposed Canons. The Bishop of New York annually hosts a luncheon for religious communities in New York and Masud was invited for the first time recently.

Charlie said that the New Monasticism doesn’t just impact the canons. How do we become more open to the movement of the Spirit? Young people are looking for prayer, life in community, justice, are we open enough to embrace what the Spirit is doing? We have some of the tools and gifts these young people are looking for. Rick says show by doing and then they will follow. We’ve set the bar so high that young people are turned away. Rick said that the charism of the Third Order is our continual conversion of our life to Christ. In the Long Island Diocese clergy meeting, a new congregation, the Franciscan Community of Compassion, was announced. How do we open ourselves to other groups such as this without being threatened?

We need to hold this gently. In Puerto Rico the bishop approved another order. We are waiting to see how this works out. Masud said that with emergence of new groups, with millenials, there is an attraction to Francis, but not necessarily lifelong commitment. People take a vow for a year, maybe live together for a year, but then go on with life. Tracey said that all of us need to know that we are empowered to bring the message to the rest of the church. Don’t keep it secret. Let people express the charism in open ways. The Publicity Committee will do a tool kit on the crèche at Greccio. There is also a retreat tool kit for home or church retreats in the works. Peter was able to watch a Franciscan group develop in Indonesia. Three people started a mission that trained a group who became part of the leaders of the church. Each generation is different. They were willing to place converts back into non-Anglican churches. Our standards and rules are not what attract people to us, but our deep devotion to Francis and Clare. We don’t say “You can’t do that here, this is a church.” But people come as they are and we receive them as they are. People are not fully formed at the time of profession. We are all a work in progress.

Rick suggested “You are the Franciscan boots on the ground.”

John suggested that the direction of the Formation Work Group will be important in meeting Weber’s concerns. Supporting ongoing formation (conversion) is part of it, Charlie said.

ACTION: Janet will respond to Weber. Peter said we need to talk about mentorships. Until fellowships have a sense of need for this, it won’t develop. Janet said that maybe this will develop on the fellowship level and maybe individually, one-on-one. Jotie said that in rebuilding the church everything needs to go on the table. Rick said that we need to take into account regional differences. Sister Jean said that religious orders have always been church’s best kept secrets. Why? Part of it is our fault.

We received a request to pray for Martha Knight who is in critical condition right now.

Bursar’s Report Alison read the report which she had previously circulated to Chapter. Last year’s budget seems to have been accurate. Any excess funds will go into savings for the next provincial convocation. The proposed 2019-2020 budget is similar. Another special supplemental budget request is necessary. She recommends that the IRS reimbursement rate for charitable groups be used for reimbursement for use of personal car rather than the business rate which is inappropriate. She recommends this be part of the Norms.

The costs of Chapter are 25 percent of our budget.

The Restricted Funds are not part of our budget. They are other organizations such as JCFU and the Companions for whom we do the accounting. The balance sheet for these was previously circulated to Chapter.

Alison does a financial summary for the Franciscan Times. She went over the budget/actual document which had been circulated to Chapter. The only unscheduled expense this past year was the website upgrade.

Central Fund—We had a credit from last year. We contribute to Central Fund, Franciscan Aid Fund, and Ministers Provincial Development Fund. This year’s allocation will have the amount they owe us for sponsoring the Ministers Meeting deducted from our contribution. We also need to include three years of subscriptions for Franciscan magazine and last year they did not credit us with a contribution to the Franciscan Aid fund, but that will be taken care of this year.

Proposed Budget Income projection is the same, but we may have to do a special appeal annually. Alison sent a contribution envelope to all tertiaries in USA in September. Janet Strickler suggested putting a PayPal button on the Franciscan Times. Alison says Paypal charges too much for that. Janet Strickler suggested we try using a PayPal button for a year. She is able to use funds from an unexpected windfall to underwrite that for a year.

ACTION: We agreed to let Alison set up a PayPal donation button on the front page of the digital Franciscan Times or the Website for a year. CONSENSUS

Alison would like to mark the physical envelopes so she knows which campaign generated the donation. Liz suggested that either Franciscan Times or Hot News remind people about Amazon Smile.

In additions to the budget $2,000 is budgeted for the new Assistant Minister Provincial office.

Alison went over the draft budget. The final budget should be available for approval by the November Zoom meeting. The Canadian report is the most recent available. Trinidad, Tobago, and Nevis just came in so that will be part of November Zoom meeting.

Alison will do travel reimbursements after the business meeting this afternoon.

Linda King Watkins, JPIC Animator, arrived and was welcomed. John Rebstock suggested that we invest more in tertiaries. Janet asked him to prepare some suggestions for November.

There were no profession approvals because they were done in September.

Norms change:

“Reimbursements for the current calendar year have to be submitted by 9/30. (2004)” would now read

“Reimbursements for the current fiscal year have to be submitted by 9/30. (2019) Reimbursements for mileage will be made at the current year’s IRS standard mileage rate for miles driven in service of charitable organizations. (2019)” Approved by CONSENSUS

Willy Bliss’ concern about paper use For some ministries paper is necessary. Alison incorporated his suggestions for postage in the proposed budget.

He also questioned whether we should put fellowship behind the name in the directory. It’s not arbitrary. The fellowship convener is expected to be in contact with the person in formation. Willy said some of the people seemed confused about the fellowships. Janet asked him to keep track of people who do not want a fellowship name after their name in the directory.

Peter Stube says Chapter asked conveners to keep track of the people in their area a few years ago. Both Chaplaincy and Conveners need to know who is in their care.

Peter Stube – Perugian Community. Steve Skinner and Lance Renault are concerned about the ministry to those who are incarcerated. We decided not to call it a fellowship. They asked that we clearly state what the mission to the prisoners is. The committee asked a task force to look at what is the role of the society to those who are incarcerated. What allows a Franciscan presence in the prison? What is our relationship after they come out of prison? There currently is only one professed prisoner and three professed outside who are involved with that community. They asked to change name to Perugian Fellowship. They asked that we give John Cooper a list of TSSF Ministries by first name only. They feel a pastoral response to those still in pain over the rejection of one incarcerated person to profession. The work group should establish what is expected. Francis’ conversion began in prison. Their request is that we come from a place of grounded in love not fear. We also have to meet prison guidelines. Jotie says that we need to omit the names. Tracey said that all you have to do is Google the first name and TSSF and you can get substantial information about a person. It’s not that we do not trust John, but we cannot guarantee the security of the list in the prison mailroom or the prison at large. We are talking about prison systems throughout the Americas. Peter is willing to be on the task force. There are lots of people with prison ministry experience who could be helpful in both the USA and Canada. CONSENSUS that we want to form a working group. Jotie, Liz, and Peter will try to put together a work group from people who work with prisoners. Celso suggested John Sapieha who is not in TSSF, but does pastoral care with foreign incarcerated there in Brazil. Guyana has priests who go to prisons. Desiree may have a name to suggest. CONSENSUS

Name change – let working group make a recommendation for that as well as how to handle the intercession list. CONSENSUS

Rite of Reconciliation Requirement Confession was required 3 times a year for original first Third Order, Francis required it 8 times per year for his brother and Clare 12 times per year. Was this decided last year? It needs to be clarified in FT or otherwise made clear. Bro. Joseph went back to the original Third Order rule, but Europe did not. Committee will discuss this. We will pick up on this on Friday.

Safe and Loving Community Document Proposed language on workers with children and youth

-- Supplementary proposal to chapter

In addition to the Loving Community document, the team would also like to propose the appointment of a new position, Guardian of Our Loving Community. This person would be appointed by the Minister Provincial for a three-year term. They would be responsible for providing resources, coordinating orientation and training, and generally keeping the issue alive before the Order. At the beginning a team will probably be needed to develop training resources.

Below are some specific suggestions of tasks the Guardian might be responsible for:

 Providing resources for use in fellowships to facilitate discussion of what it means to be a loving community.  Creating a short video for use in fellowships or elsewhere.  Offering a program at Provincial Convocation, and other convocations as requested.  Offering an orientation to all new postulants about the policy and what it means to them. This could be done on Zoom, and those without video capability could join the meeting by phone. We suggest this orientation be required of everyone within the first year of formation, and be encouraged for all members of the order.  Offering a more in-depth training, also on Zoom, for all leaders in the order, about how to respond to various kinds of complaints. This training might involve case studies or role plays. We suggest this be required of all new leaders, and “expected” of all current leaders. Leaders would be expected to retake this every five years.  Tracking who has attended the orientations and trainings.  Writing articles periodically for the Franciscan Times on the issue of Loving Community.  Serving as a resource for any questions about the policy.  Periodically confirm that pastoral leaders are collecting and tracking signatures for those under their charge.

Is there Safe Community training in Guyana? Yes. Brazil does not have it yet. Most Dioceses in Canada probably do. It was agreed to table this until November.

Norms change regarding clerks to assist Provincial Secretary

Two Clerk positions exist within the Provincial Secretary position: I.T. Guardian and Directory Editor. The I.T. Guardian is responsible for provincial-wide electronic mailings. The Directory Editor will be responsible for all things related to the Directory and for Hot News preparation and dissemination. Accepted by CONSENSUS

Creativity in Reporting on the Rule of life Rick says many are already done by phone. His only concern is that people do report. The chaplains are working on being more responsive. There was a time when the push from Chapter was to quantify which led to checklist form of reporting and “decide who is in and who is out.” Even though Chapter threw that out, there are still area chaplains who send in a checklist. Chaplains are going to a much more narrative, high contact form. People who are not writers are not the only ones who want to report orally. Masud said that it is a way of being in communication and having accountability, of getting a sense of how they are developing as a Franciscan. However the communication is done it should express how God is directing me as a Franciscan. There should be dialogue about the edges of growth and challenges. It should be a dialogue. There should be feedback. That’s why the chaplaincy is working on revision and also encourages chaplains to be gentle and affirming. Regarding elderly members who have trouble following the rule, the ministers meeting took the stance that we are family and you are in. Revise how you are Franciscan in the later stage of life. Rick’s team is looking at the Chaplaincy closely and will share this discussion on accountability and communication with his team. In OEF people team up with another member to report to. It seems to be working very well.

Interpersonal inspiration rather than Top-Down Control There is a perception that Chapter is hierarchical and passes down edicts. We need to talk about how we counter this perception about our being high and mighty and not in touch. Peter said that we don’t see each other all the time. It seems to be inevitable in the church. We either don’t communicate well enough or you never let us know. Peter gave the example of moving furniture in the church. It’s similar to the perception of what goes on at General Convention. It is almost impossible to communicate well enough. It is essential that we are faithful. We have been trying to articulate the emerging vision by writing. But lots of people don’t read what we send out. It works out better when we go out and speak to people. We cannot totally eliminate the issue. We need to be represented at all the regional convocations, Alison said. Masud said at one time we were very intentional about that, we signed up for all regional convocations. Funding changed that so that only the attendance of pastoral officers’ attendance is funded. We need to know what Chapter members are at regional convocations and that people are there to share and to listen. What if Chapter members met with fellowships by Zoom? What about You Tube and Vimeo? John Rebstock suggested posting the highlights of this meeting on You Tube? We need to move away from only written communications such as the minutes. Can we put this in the special section of the website? Interpersonal inspiration happened with Willy Bliss and Emmaus Travelers and Saints Wisdom. There has been so much change in the past couple of years. Repetition is important. Sometimes it is hard to hear “No.”

John Rebstock reminded us that formation is hierarchical. There is nothing in the minutes from last year on Daily Office. It wasn’t even considered. Fellowships have been damaged by the formation issue. Confidentiality makes this a secretive top down process. The person in formation is expected to tell the fellowship about a problem they are having with formation. The formation team is not allowed to raise the issue with the fellowship. Charlie said that not all fellowships are appropriate to work with the person in formation. Boundaries of confidentiality in formation keep coming up here. Discernment needs space and respect. Involving the fellowship in this can be tricky. If there is a disagreement among members of the formation team it stops there. The process needs mediation. Different groups of eyes should look at people who are in trouble in formation. The Formation Director and Assistant Formation Directors only look at reports. They don’t have a conversation with the person. The person in formation should be part of the conversation about what is needed, whether they going the right way. People in formation need to be supported and encouraged.

Brazil Celso said that in Brazil the main concern is formation. We have people in Celso’s diocese who want to join us. They want to know what to do. We need to have something to give them. Inviting them to our meeting is not enough. In our diocesan conventions we never talk about Franciscan presence, the bishops regard us as doing our own thing, something aside from the diocese. Last week one bishop asked for help which was a wonderful opportunity to give a good response. We need a brochure. Janet said the Hispanic ministry has materials which could be translated from Spanish into Portuguese.

Celso continued that there is growing violence in Rio. Children are killed by stray bullets. Some of our members did a demonstration in front of the government palace with Baptists and others. What can we do in terms of violence in Rio de Janeiro? To be present at burials? To go to the cemetery? Rick says Jim Crosby, TSSF in Austin, TX developed End Violence Now, city by city. They set up booths, etc., just to get the word out. Janet said we will help put him in touch with you. Some of the allocation from the Central Fund would be good for Brazil-Cuba Retreat.

After two days of retreat, Chapter resumed on October 11, 2019

Jeff Golliher had joined us during the retreat which was led by both Charles McCarron and also Stephen Blackmer and Teresa Gardner of Kairos Earth.

The meeting convened at 9 am. Rick read the poem “As Kingfishers Catch Fire “by Gerald Manley Hopkins.

Jim Hagen arrived.

Janet passed around Franciscan Charism, a new book published by European Province.

It was agreed to table Rite of Reconciliation until November. A written response is being worked on and will be proposed to Chapter at that time.

External Relations report by Masud Ibn Syedullah

Masud visits the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans (OEF) and the Order of Lutheran Franciscans (OLF), and usually the Order of Secular Franciscans (OFS) Chapters. His presence is a sign of a good on-going relationship between our Order and other Orders. They are growing. He is able to be a resource to OLF particularly with formation, etc. They are only 6 years old. The relationship with OFS is in a different place. They are dealing with internal issues related to conservatism within their church and they have kind of circled the wagons. This year they decided to focus on internal relations and they financially could not afford to invite and pay for outsiders. Masud is concerned where our relationship is in light of all they are dealing with internally. They are not focusing on ecumenical relationships. This is a concern for the Joint Committee on Franciscan Unity which would not exist without their inviting us to join them. Their representatives are clearly committed to our Joint Committee on Franciscan Unity (JCFU) work.

JCFU is now up to 5 orders having added the Franciscans of Reconciliation ( OFR) and OLF to OFS, OEF, and TSSF. There are other Franciscan orders that have emerged -– the Order of St. Francis, and the Community of Francis and Clare. The latter is interested in being part of JCFU. NAECC is helping the Community of Francis and Clare. It is important for us to be in fellowship with others hearing a call for Franciscan spirituality.

NAECC – for several years The National Association of Episcopal Christian Communities (NAECC) and the Conference of Anglican Religious orders in the Americas (CAROA) have been trying to get the Presiding Bishop to attend a joint meeting. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will be keynote speaker at their next annual meeting outside Cincinnati in 2020. They have been able to have greater contact with House of Bishops. They have said “We are here to serve the church.” It has been suggested that NAECC be a part of a process to rework the canon for religious communities. NAECC and CAROA may be invited to be on the newly constituted committee. This is all pending. They are making suggestions about canon revisions.

Jeff said that in the secular world Laudato Si is seen as the only serious comprehensive policy like document by outside environmental groups and philosophers because is it a comprehensive, integrated document. Jeff said that yesterday Charles raised a point about our using Laudato Si. Masud said we should extract the underlying principles. Janet said the Catholic understanding is that Laudato Si, an encyclical, is from God, not the Pope. It is a direct voice from God about the environment. Jeff asked whether there is a problem with Episcopalians. The answer was probably not, but there may be a problem with non-liturgical churches because Laudato Si was issued by the Vatican. Jeff asked whether we saying that we are in solidarity with Laudato Si or not? We are in solidarity with the principles of this document. Peter said there are some individuals who are more conservative within TSSF as well.

Janet said this is important. Tracey said Michael Curry’s presence at NAEC is a response to Weber Baker’s comments.

Desmond on the Society of Saint Francis (SSF). He produced 3 reports around the same time. Our written report has wrong title – report to Ministers Meeting of SSF, but it is actually the correct for us. SSF had a meeting of their five Ministers Provincial. Their centenary was their big event with celebrations in both New York and San Francisco. Both occasions were very happy and a real pulling together of brothers to put on both services. The booklet has a history of the Order. The Presiding Bishop preached and Ilia Delio was keynote speaker and Phil Geliebter, TSSF was the deacon in New York City. Members of the Community of Francis and Clare were with them in NYC. The main challenge remains to be caring for the elderly, infirm brothers. We also have new inexperienced brothers and not enough in between, mainly Jude and Desmond. The new people are gifted, but not ready to be leaders yet. In Los Angeles and New York City the brothers are living in an institutional context; two brothers in each location are part of a church or cathedral. Formation has been the real challenge. Jude is doing a good job along with all else he does. What can we do to support SSF? Mutual prayer. Contact is good when it happens. Desmond finds our Chapters encouraging. Should we be thinking of asking tertiaries to make a contribution? They have been waiting for a windfall from sale of Little Portion; part of it will go to help pay for a new hermitage in Kelseyville, California. Desmond wants to invest in education and training. They are operating at a deficit. They view that as a fund-raising target. Alison said that if we can beef up our own level of giving, we need to think about increasing what we give to SSF. In New York City John Beddingfield and his fellowship involve SSF in programs such as the Transitus. We prayed for SSF.

Sister Jean on behalf of the Community of Saint Francis. Maggie has become Minister Provincial. The report to TSSF is the same as to their Ministers Meeting. The sisters appreciate local TSSF using their sitting room for meetings and their chapel for worship. They appreciate the sharing and interaction two or three times per year. Pamela’s work with centers for the homeless continues. This is the laying on of hands, touching people. Jean still makes jam and lemon curd, but not in a quantity to sell. She is almost 90 and does not do as much. She is very much part of Holy Innocents Church in San Francisco. She’s part of their healing ministry. She is at home more than the others. Sister Ruth has macular degeneration and her future with Family Link appears to be limited. She has treatment scheduled in the next few months. Sister Maggie does not belong to a regular church. She goes to Open Cathedral, the church for the homeless. They are part of a feeding program. She is enthused and Open Cathedral is an important part of her life. Two churches, one Roman Catholic and one Episcopalian, have a sleep program for the homeless. The churches are a safe place to sleep when the shelters are closed. This is third year they have done “Companions in Franciscan Spirituality” which invites women to come for 10-day immersion in Franciscan Spirituality and household life. Pamela does a lot of lecturing. The guests go out to Open Cathedral and a tour of areas In the Mission District. During Holy Week they learn how and massage people’s feet. They visit Family Link with Sister Ruth and they help with the food kitchen. They went to brothers’ for the Transitus and the celebration on St. Francis feast day. It’s been a good program. They do it 3 times a year – Holy Week, Francistide, and in the summer which focuses on creation. The future of the sisters is unknown. It is in God’s hands. They encourage the visitors to carry their charism with them. The house is not that big. They only have room for so many. They have a cat named Sadie. They are open to change. The First and Third Orders need each other. They welcome contact. We need to pray for the Second Order in the United Kingdom, the Poor Clare sisters in Oxfordshire. Older women join this group including a former TSSF member. Janet asked whether the sisters would like to contribute something to every FT? Jean asks that we advertise the immersion program. Maybe we need a liaison person for CSF and SSF to intentionally be in touch more than occasionally.

We offered a prayer for CSF and thanksgiving for Sr. Jean.

Bruce Kay’s report from the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans He calls us the Order of Documentarian Franciscans, there is so much information. He is struck by the commonalities between our two orders. Living the evangelical life in the ongoing spirit of conversion. They also struggle with ongoing formation. We are all working it out. He is encouraged by the urgency with which TSSF is approaching climate change. They have been focusing on immigration. One of their members, Gary Nabhan, Brother Coyote, is an expert on seeds and lives 10 miles from border and works with immigrants. OEF has 59 professed and 20 people in various stages of profession, most in USA, but also Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, and Canada.

Have we all signed the pledge for the care for creation for the Episcopal Church? Look at that when you go home.

Jim Hagen reported on the Hispanic ministry. The SSF Centenary made him feel connected to Franciscan group, including the group in Latin America. Latin America is one of our callings. Christians there are divided among Roman Catholic, Evangelical/Pentencostal, and Traditional Churches such as ours. There’s a lot of talk of hellfire damnation. Anglicans have a different view on conversion and moving in the spirit. The church needs to hear the Franciscan message and share it. Barbara bennett retired as formation director. Tom Johnson has asked “How can TSSF respond to people in Latin America who are interested in Third Order?” We have developed resources such as Raciel’s work on the Spanish Devotional Companion based on the Portuguese. There is a 15 chapter formation book. It’s all online. All materials needed for formation are available in Spanish. How can we let other people in Latin America know what is going on so they know there is a choice by means of FB, online and the new FB Messenger which got lots of responses.

The Bishop of Guatemala in a conversation with Jim asked TSSF asked to help build a solid spiritual base for his diocese. How can TSSF be of service to the church in Latin America? How can we bring spiritual renewal so the church can be more effective in its mission?. Jim wrote a booklet to give a manual for a week of spiritual renewal in Guatemala, the 5 Steps of Conversion. This is an alternative view of what conversion is all about. We don’t start with your sin, we start with God. It’s also an attempt to build a spiritual base with spiritual practices, hymn singing, and joke telling. They spent three days with clergy then held events in different parts of the diocese. We need Brazil and the Hispanic Ministry as integral parts of our Province, not as their own Province. In Puerto Rico the bishop set up their own diocesan Order. This was a disappointment. We emphasize that we are part of a worldwide order. We cannot emphasize too much the global SSF family. Latin America particularly can offer experience dealing with extreme violence. Peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation speak to them. Janet reminded us that Africa shares that experience of violence. The youthful church in Latin America is multi-ethnic. In Guatemala most Anglicans are of Mayan background. The Anglicans of Latin America bring a high level of enthusiasm. Many are former Roman Catholic First Order brothers. The Roman Church formation of those people who bring that tradition with them is a gift. The authoritarianism comes from born Anglicans, people of money, not former Roman Catholics. [Those who had to catch a train left at 10:45.] The growth, the hands on approach by Jim and barbara, are the fruits of this experiment which is no longer an experiment. In November Chapter will be able to consider what we can do financially. We are so grateful for you and for God’s working through you. You embrace the indigenous part, that’s what the whole church will be doing. Jim feels firm about the whole thing. We have dealt with issues – some having to do with being an international order. Communication can be a problem. In Panama, one of the places Jim visited. the Bishop has a place for First Order. Jim went to St. Francis of Assisi Church there. He met priest who wanted to be TSSF. But then he did not respond to attempts to contact him until recently. He now has 4 or 5 people who want to start a fellowship. Jim has had similar experience elsewhere. Culturally not everyone responds to E- mails. We must be patient. Barbara bennett has retired from the Spanish ministry, but she will still be involved with Brazil. Will Wauters is taking her place with Spanish-speaking ministry. Counselors will be providing guidance. They are revising leadership model to include Latinos. Have two people are ready to go. We need to learn how to talk to each other. Zoom doesn’t work for everyone. Alicia Rauda Orellana in El Salvador and Miguel Cristerna Bercerra are ready to go with that. The Bishop of Guatemala wants TSSF and Cursillo to be the two power houses for renewal. In El Salvador the bishop wants Daughters of the King and TSSF to work together for renewal. There is lots of cross-fertilization between Brazil and Cuba. The Hispanic ministry needs clarity about the budget. Janet is working on putting the budget on the secure part of the website with quarterly updates. There will be a Brazil-Cuba retreat next year. We will work with the money from Central fund every two years to provide for the Hispanic Ministry. Jim says one longer trip could make things easier for him. There is also possible interest in Honduras. Both Tercera Orden on Facebook and on the website are translated into English and as well as the monthly posting of intercessory prayers online. This is a celebration of God’s blessings. There is enthusiasm in Latin America; how do we share it with the rest of the province? Short videos? Jim is trying to build a library of You Tube of teachings in Spanish.

Janet passed around the Brazilian report and the financial statement for Trinidad and Tobago. Janet wants to put into minutes a statement about where we move with sacred ecology. Rick says we want to link with climate change minorities. Janet distributed to Chapter the following:

Sacred Ecology Initiative The Sacred Ecology Initiative of the Third Order, Province of the Americas , is ready to move into an action phase. This initiative is a cooperative effort between Sacred Ecology and the Mentoring Project.

ACTION GOALS 1) To inspire and equip tertiaries on how to lessen the human impact on climate change by identifying local needs, by changing our own lifestyles and by helping to lead others in our local communities. 2) To support tertiaries using our Franciscan spirituality in facing future environmental disruption with love, hope and joy, assisting them in their work with the poor and those most affected by climate change.

METHODOLOGY Use and equip our JPIC team to present workshops at regional convocations and in Zoom convocations in support of these two goals. Recruit more JPIC team members around this initiative. Include as many parts of the Province as possible.

NEEDS FROM CHAPTER

Approve this initiative Implement this initiative Encourage and promote this initiative

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION At this point the planning will be for the Province to develop a workshop/presentation that JPIC team members can use in Regional Convocations in 2020. Leadership for this effort would come from within JPIC and be supported by the human and financial resources of the Order. JPIC presence at Regional Convocations would be encouraged by Chapter. This would be considered Phase I. Phase II would provide follow up during 2020/21 and possible convocation presence again in 2021, to assess how tertiaries are doing and to provide additional inspiration. These two Phases would culminate in a JPIC presentation at Provincial Convocation 2022.

Approved by CONSENSUS We decided initially to focus on fellowships and those who aren’t in fellowships with video, prayer resources, and a prayer for the province to be prayed daily. The Sacred Ecology Initiative is to be included in the minutes. Jotie and Tracey are working on a province-wide prayer.

John Rebstock wants us to thank everyone who submitted reports. He plans to send notes of thanks to the reporters including Francesca Wigle, Nancy Dotson, Paul Ledwitz, Willy Bliss, Masud, Lynn Herne, John Brockman, barbara bennett, Jim Hagen, Janet Wakefield, Linda Watkins, Janice Syedullah, John Pedersen, David Lawson-Beck, Bruce James Kay, Doug Wall, Judith Gillette and Joy Bid lack. Verleah will give John the larger list of those who made reports.

Celso said “I leave this place full of love for what I have learned, especially from Charles, but the highlight was the Church of the Woods; Steven gave communion to the earth in both elements. It was a new experience for me. I will do the same in Brazil surrounded by our Franciscan brothers and sisters.” Janet asked him to please take back our love for our brothers and sisters in Brazil. Janet told Desiree that the Guyanese bring a special spirituality to our province and it has been wonderful to have you here embodying that spirit. We all thanked Linda Watkins and then Janet.

Process to End Chapter

1) Adjourn Chapter 10:14 AM

2) Open Corporation Election of Board of Directors President Janet Fedders Vice-President Richard Simpson Secretary Verleah Kosloske Treasurer Alison Saichek Officer-at-Large Ken Norian

3) Suspend Corporation 10:15 AM

4) Call to Order the Board of Directors 10:16 AM Approve the Budget Announce date of next meeting October 5 to 9, 2020, at the Daylesford Abbey, Paoli, Pennsylvania All other business Adjourn Board of Directors meeting 10:17 AM

5) Reconvene Corporation 10:17 am Adopt Budget

6) Adjourn Corporation 10:18 AM

7) Call back to order the meeting of Chapter A

Chapter adjourned at 11:20 AM.

ACTION ITEMS: Formation Working Group will be led by Jonathan Lloyd with oversight by Charles McCarron. Janet Strickler agreed to be the Chapter representative on the Formation Working Group. The Assistant Fellowship Coordinator for Ongoing Formation was approved. Janet will let Anita Catron and John Rebstock know that we will continue to evaluate what time is needed for distribution and return of nomination forms during the 2020 Minister Provincial election in order to determine how we can change the statutes to shorten the time between distribution and collection of nominations and ballots in the 2022 Chapter election. Janet will respond to Weber Baker’s agenda item related to the future of TSSF. Alison will have the final 2019/2020 Budget ready for approval at the November Zoom meeting. Alison will set up a PayPal donation button on the front page of the Website and mention it in the Franciscan Times. The Norms will be changed to reflect the agreement that the correct rate for reimbursement by TSSF for use of one’s personal automobile should be the IRS nonprofit rate, not the business rate. The Norms were also modified to establish two additional clerks under the Provincial Secretary, the IT Guardian to handle electronic communications and the Editor of the Directory. Effective December 1 the new Provincial Secretary will be Lucinda Dyer. Peter Stube was elected to an additional term as Fellowship Coordinator. The Rule Experiment will continue for another two years with details to be worked out. John Rebstock was asked to provide suggestions for the November meeting related to his request that we invest more in tertiaries. Jotie and Janet will continue to work on securing a Bishop Protector for Canada. Janet asked Willy Bliss to keep track during the coming year of those who do not wish to have a fellowship name following their own listing in the directory. A working group on the Franciscan presence in prison was established and Celso and Desiree and others will be asked to provide names for possible work group members from their countries. The work group is to make recommendations on such agenda items as whether the name of the Perugian Community should be changed to Perugian Fellowship and the intercessory list for inmates. Janet and others will assist Celso in his request for help producing a brochure. Rick’s team is working on revising and reinvigorating the chaplaincy with an emphasis on pastoral relations. JPIC and others will be building a program and training on the Sacred Ecology Initiative for regional convocations in 2020. Rick suggested we add a Creation section to our Devotional companion. Attachment A Central Fund deed of Trust Central Fund of the Third Order, Society of Saint Francis– Deed of Trust This document contains the operative clauses of the Deed of Trust executed on 7 September 2017, omitting the preamble and signatures, with the following subsequent amendments:

No Date Status Description 1 11 December 2018 In force Amending the name 2 14 March 2019 In force Removing Treasurer of the European Province as ex-officio Trustee Amending procedure for amendments Rick 1. Administration

The charitable trust created by this deed (‘the charity’) shall be administered by the trustees. (In this deed, the expression ‘the trustees’ refers to the individuals who are the trustees of the charity at any given time. It includes the first trustees and their successors. The word ‘trustee’ is used to refer to any one of the trustees.)

2. Name

The charity shall be called

The Central Fund of the Third Order, Society of Saint Francis. 1 3. Objects

The objects of the charity (‘the objects’) are:

The advancement of the Christian religion for the benefit of the public, in accordance with the Rule of the Third Order, Society of Saint Francis2 (comprising The Principles; The Constitution; and the forms of Profession and Renewal), in particular but not exclusively by supporting the Third Order, Society of Saint Francis3 and making grants.

Nothing in this deed shall authorise an application of the property of the charity for purposes which are not charitable in accordance with section 7 of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and/or section 2 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.

4. Application of income and capital

The trustees must apply the income and, at their discretion all or part of the capital, of the charity in furthering the objects.

5. Powers

In addition to any other powers they have, the trustees may exercise any of the following powers in order to further the objects (but not for any other purpose):

(1) to raise funds. In exercising this power, the trustees must not undertake any taxable permanent trading activity and must comply with any relevant statutory regulations;

(2) to buy, take on lease or in exchange, hire or otherwise acquire property and to maintain and equip it for use;

(3) to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the property belonging to the charity. In exercising this power, the trustees must comply as appropriate with sections 117 - 122 of the Charities Act 2011;

1 Amendment 1 paragraph 1 - changed 2 Amendment 1 paragraph 2 - changed 3 Amendment 1 paragraph 2 - changed (4) to borrow money and to charge the whole or any part of the property belonging to the charity as security for repayment of the money borrowed. The trustees must comply as appropriate with sections 124 - 126 of the Charities Act 2011 if they wish to mortgage land owned by the charity;

(5) to co-operate with other charities, voluntary bodies and statutory authorities and to exchange information and advice with them;

(6) to establish or support any charitable trusts, associations or institutions formed for any of the charitable purposes included in the objects;

(7) to acquire, merge with or enter into any partnership or joint venture arrangement with any other charity formed for any of the objects;

(8) to create such advisory committees as the trustees think fit;

(9) to employ and remunerate such staff as are necessary for carrying out the work of the charity;

(10) to do any other lawful thing that is necessary or desirable for the achievement of the objects.

6. Statutory powers

Nothing in this deed restricts or excludes the exercise by the trustees of the powers given by the Trustee Act 2000 as regards investment, the acquisition or disposal of land and the employment of agents, nominees and custodians.

7. Delegation

(1) In addition to their statutory powers, the trustees may delegate any of their powers or functions to a committee of two or more trustees. A committee must act in accordance with any directions given by the trustees. It must report its decisions and activities fully and promptly to the trustees. It must not incur expenditure on behalf of the charity except in accordance with a budget previously agreed by the trustees.

(2) The trustees must exercise their powers jointly at properly convened meetings except where they have: (a) delegated the exercise of the powers (either under this provision or under any statutory provision), or

(b) made some other arrangements, by regulations under clause 22.

(3) The trustees must consider from time to time whether the powers or functions which they have delegated should continue to be delegated.

8. Duty of care and extent of liability

(1) When exercising any power (whether given to them by this deed, or by statute, or by any rule of law) in administering or managing the charity, each of the trustees must use the level of care and skill that is reasonable in the circumstances, taking into account any special knowledge or experience that he or she has or claims to have (‘the duty of care’).

(2) No trustee, and no one exercising powers or responsibilities that have been delegated by the trustees, shall be liable for any act or failure to act unless, in acting or in failing to act, he or she has failed to discharge the duty of care.

9. Appointment of trustees

(1) There must be at least three and no more than six trustees.

(2) The following shall (unless disqualified by law) be appointed ex-officio to be trustees in accordance with the Constitution of the Third Order:

(a) The Minister General, Third Order (who shall be the Chair of the trustees, subject to clause 16 below)

(b) The Minister Provincial of the European Province if the Minister General is from another province. If the Minister General is from the European province, a Minister Provincial from another province will be elected by the Ministers Provincial.

(c) The Bishop Protector of the European Province

4Each trustee so appointed shall hold office while he or she holds the position

4 Amendment 2 paragraph 1: delete “(d) The Treasurer of the European Province.” entitling him or her to be a trustee.

(3) (a) Any trustee other than ex-officio trustees must be appointed for a term of not more than three years by a resolution of the trustees passed at a special meeting called under clause 15 of this deed.

(b) A trustee who has been so appointed may be re-appointed for one further period of not more than three years but may not thereafter be re-appointed within the three years after the end of the last term of office.

(c) A trustee who has been so appointed, and who subsequently takes up a position referred to in sub-clause (2) of this clause, becomes a trustee in accordance with that sub-clause, and sub-clause (3)(a) then ceases to apply to him or her.

(d) In selecting individuals for appointment as trustees under clause 9(3)(a) above, the trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the charity.

(4) The trustees must keep a record of the name and address and the dates of appointment, re-appointment and retirement of each trustee.

(5) The trustees must make available to each new trustee, on his or her first appointment:

(a) a copy of this deed and any amendments made to it;

(b) a copy of the charity’s latest report and statement of accounts.

(6) The first trustees shall hold office:

(a) if at the date of this deed the trustee held a position referred to in sub-clause (2) of this clause, as if he or she had been appointed under that sub-clause, and

(b) in any other case, as if he or she had been appointed under sub-clause (3) for a term of three years beginning on the date of this deed.

10. Eligibility for trusteeship (1) No one shall be appointed as a trustee:

(a) if he or she is under the age of 18 years; or

(b) if he or she would at once be disqualified from office under the provisions of clause 11 of this deed; 5or

(c) if as a result of such an appointment a majority of the Trustees would be Tertiaries from the same Province.

(2) No one shall be entitled to act as a trustee whether on appointment or on any re- appointment as trustee until he or she has expressly acknowledged, in whatever way the trustees decide, his or her acceptance of the office of trustee of the charity.

11. Termination of trusteeship

A trustee shall cease to hold office if he or she:

(1) is disqualified for acting as a trustee by virtue of sections 178 and 179 of the Charities Act 2011 or any statutory re-enactment or modification of that provision;

(2) in the written opinion, given to the charity, of a registered medical practitioner treating that person, has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as a trustee and may remain so for more than three months;

(3) is absent without the permission of the trustees from all their meetings held within a period of six months and the trustees resolve that his or her office be vacated;

(4) notifies to the trustees a wish to resign (but only if enough trustees will remain in office when the notice of resignation takes effect to form a quorum for meetings); or

(5) (having been appointed ex-officio under clause 9(2) above) ceases to hold the position by virtue of which he or she was appointed as a trustee.

12. Vacancies

If a vacancy occurs the trustees must note the fact in the minutes of their next meeting. Any eligible trustee may be re-appointed, subject to clause 9(3)(a). If the number of

5 Amendment 2 paragraph 2 – inserted (c) trustees falls below the quorum in Clause 17(1), none of the powers or discretions conferred by this deed or by law on the trustees shall be exercisable by the remaining trustees except the power to appoint new trustees.

13. Ordinary meetings

The trustees must hold at least two ordinary meetings each year. One such meeting in alternate years must involve the physical presence of those trustees who attend the meeting. Other meetings may take such form, including videoconferencing, as the trustees decide provided that the form chosen enables the trustees both to see and to hear each other.

14. Calling meetings

(1)6 The trustees must arrange at each of their meetings the date, time and place of their next meeting, unless such arrangements have already been made. Ordinary meetings may also be called at any time by the person elected to chair meetings of the trustees or by any two trustees. In that case not less than ten days’ clear notice must be given to the other trustees. The first meeting of the trustees must be called by the Minister General or, if no meeting has been called within three months after the date of this deed, by any two of the trustees.

(2)7 The Treasurer of the European Province shall be invited to all meetings of the Trustees, and may speak unless prevented by a conflict of interest.

15. Special meetings

A special meeting may be called at any time by the Minister General or by any two trustees. Not less than four days’ clear notice must be given to the other trustees of the matters to be discussed at the meeting. However, if those matters include the appointment of a trustee or a proposal to amend any of the trusts of this deed, not less than 21 days’ notice must be given. A special meeting may be called to take place immediately after or before an ordinary meeting.

16. Chairing of meetings

6 Amendment 2 paragraph 3: renumbered

7 Amendment 2 paragraph 3 - inserted The Minister General of the Third Order will chair meetings. If that person is not present within ten minutes after the time appointed for holding a meeting, or if the position of Minister General is vacant, or if the Minister General has absented himself or herself from a meeting pursuant to clause 19(2), the trustees present must choose one of their number to chair the meeting.

The person elected to chair meetings of the trustees shall have no other additional functions or powers except those conferred by this deed or delegated to him or her by the trustees.

17. Quorum

(1) Subject to the following provision of this clause, no business shall be conducted at a meeting of the trustees unless at least one-third of the total number of trustees at the time, or two trustees (whichever is the greater) are present throughout the meeting.

(2) The trustees may make regulations specifying different quorums for meetings dealing with different types of business.

18. Voting

At meetings, decisions must be made by a majority of the trustees present and voting on the question. The person chairing the meeting shall have a casting vote whether or not he or she has voted previously on the same question but no Trustee in any other circumstances shall have more than one vote. 19. Conflicts of interests and conflicts of loyalties

A charity trustee must:

(1) declare the nature and extent of any interest, direct or indirect, which he or she has in a proposed transaction or arrangement with the charity or in any transaction or arrangement entered into by the charity which has not been previously declared; and

(2) absent himself or herself from any discussions of the charity trustees in which it is possible that a conflict will arise between his or her duty to act solely in the interests of the charity and any personal interest (including but not limited to any personal financial interest).

Any charity trustee absenting himself or herself from any discussions in accordance with this clause must not vote or be counted as part of the quorum in any decision of the charity trustees on the matter.

20. Saving provisions

(1) Subject to sub-clause (2) of this clause, all decisions of the charity trustees, or of a committee of the charity trustees, shall be valid notwithstanding the participation in any vote of a charity trustee:

(a) who is disqualified from holding office;

(b) who had previously retired or who had been obliged by this deed to vacate office;

(c) who was not entitled to vote on the matter, whether by reason of a conflict of interests or otherwise

if without the vote of that charity trustee and that charity trustee being counted in the quorum, the decision has been made by a majority of the charity trustees at a quorate meeting.

(2) Sub-clause (1) of this clause does not permit a charity trustee to keep any benefit that may be conferred upon him or her by a resolution of the charity trustees or of a committee of charity trustees if, but for sub-clause (1), the resolution would have been void, or if the charity trustee has not complied with clause 19 (Conflicts of interests and conflicts of loyalties). 21. Minutes

The trustees must keep minutes, in books kept for the purpose or by such other means as the trustees decide, of the proceedings at their meetings. In the minutes the trustees must record their decisions and, where appropriate, the reasons for those decisions. The trustees must approve the minutes in accordance with the procedures, laid down in regulations made under clause 22 of this deed.

22. General power to make regulations

(1) The trustees may from time to time make regulations for the management of the charity and for the conduct of their business, including

(a) the calling of meetings;

(b) methods of making decisions in order to deal with cases or urgency when a meeting is impractical;

(c) the deposit of money at a bank;

(d) the custody of documents; and

(e) the keeping and authenticating of records. (If regulations made under this clause permit records of the charity to be kept in electronic form and requires a trustee to sign the record, the regulations must specify a method of recording the signature that enables it to be properly authenticated.)

(2) The trustees must not make regulations which are inconsistent with anything in this deed.

23. Disputes

If a dispute arises between the trustees about the validity or propriety of anything done by the charity trustees under this deed, and the dispute cannot be resolved by agreement, the trustees party to the dispute must first try in good faith to settle the dispute by mediation before resorting to litigation. 24. Accounts, Annual Report and Annual Return

The trustees must comply with their obligations under the Charities Act 2011 with regard to:

(1) the keeping of accounting records for the charity;

(2) the preparation of annual statements of account for the charity;

(3) the auditing or independent examination of the statements of account of the charity;

(4) the transmission of the statements of account of the charity to the Commission;

(5) the preparation of an Annual Report and its transmission to the Commission;

(6) the preparation of an Annual Return and its transmission to the Commission.

25. Registered particulars

The trustees must notify the Commission promptly of any changes to the charity’s entry on the Central Register of Charities.

26. Bank account

Any bank or building society account in which any of the funds of the charity are deposited must be operated by the trustees and held in the name of the charity. Unless the regulations of the trustees make other provision, all cheques and orders for the payment of money from such an account shall be signed by at least two trustees.

27. Application of income and property

(1) The income and property of the charity must be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects.

(a) A charity trustee is entitled to be reimbursed out of the property of the charity or may pay out of such property reasonable expenses properly incurred by him or her when acting on behalf of the charity. (b) A charity trustee may benefit from trustee indemnity insurance cover purchased at the charity’s expense in accordance with, and subject to the conditions in, section 189 of the Charities Act 2011.

(2) Subject to clause 28, none of the income or property of the charity may be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus, or otherwise by way of profit to any charity trustee.

28. Benefits and payments to charity trustees and connected persons

(1) General provisions

No charity trustee or connected person may:

(a) buy or receive any goods or services from the charity on terms preferential to those applicable to members of the public;

(b) sell goods, services or any interest in land to the charity;

(c) be employed by, or receive any remuneration from, the charity;

(d) receive any other financial benefit from the charity;

unless the payment or benefit is permitted by sub-clause (2) of this clause or authorised by the court or the Charity Commission (‘the Commission’). In this clause a ‘financial benefit’ means a benefit, direct or indirect, which is either money or has a monetary value.

(2) Scope and powers permitting trustees’ or connected persons’ benefits

(a) A charity trustee or connected person may receive a benefit from the charity in the capacity of a beneficiary of the charity provided that a majority of the trustees do not benefit in this way.

(b) A charity trustee or connected person may enter into a contract for the supply of services, or of goods that are supplied in connection with the provision of services, to the charity where that is permitted in accordance with, and subject to, the conditions in, section 185 of the Charities Act 2011. (c) Subject to sub-clause (3) of this clause a charity trustee or connected person may provide the charity with goods that are not supplied in connection with services provided to the charity by charity trustee or connected person.

(d) A charity trustee or connected person may receive interest on money lent to the charity at a reasonable and proper rate which must be not more than the Bank of England bank rate (also known as the base rate).

(e) A charity trustee or connected person may receive rent for premises let by the trustee or connected person to the charity. The amount of the rent and the other terms of the lease must be reasonable and proper. The charity trustee concerned must withdraw from any meeting at which such a proposal or the rent or other terms of the lease are under discussion.

(f) A charity trustee or connected person may take part in the normal trading and fundraising activities of the charity on the same terms as members of the public.

(3) Payment for the supply of goods only - controls

The charity and its charity trustees may only rely upon the authority provided by sub- clause (2)(c) of this clause if each of the following conditions is satisfied:

(a) The amount or maximum amount of the payment for the goods is set out in an agreement in writing between the charity and the charity trustee or connected person supplying the goods (‘the supplier’) under which the supplier is to supply the goods in question to or on behalf of the charity.

(b) The amount or maximum of the payment for the goods in question does not exceed what is reasonable in the circumstances for the supply of the goods in question.

(c) The other charity trustees are satisfied that it is in the best interests of the charity to contract with the supplier rather than someone who is not a charity trustee or connected person. In reaching that decision the charity trustees must balance the advantage of contracting with a charity trustee or connected person against the disadvantages of doing so. (d) The supplier is absent from the part of the meeting at which there is discussion of the proposal to enter into a contract or arrangement with him or her or it with regard to the supply of goods to the charity.

(e) The supplier does not vote on any such matter and is not to be counted when calculating whether a quorum of trustees is present at the meeting.

(f) The reason for their decision is recorded by the charity trustees in the minute book.

(g) A majority of the charity trustees then in office are not in receipt of remuneration or payments authorised by clause 28.

(4) In sub-clauses (2)-(3) of this clause:

(a) ‘charity’ shall include any company in which the charity:

(i) holds more than 50% of the shares; or

(ii) controls more than 50% of the voting rights attached to the shares; or

(iii) has the right to appoint one or more trustees to the board of the company.

(b) In sub-clauses (2) and (3) of this clause ‘connected person’ includes any person within the definition set out in clause 33 (Interpretation).

29. Repair and insurance

The trustees must keep in repair and insure to their full value against fire and other usual risks all the buildings of the charity (except those buildings that are required to be kept in repair and insured by a tenant). They must also insure suitably in respect of public liability and employer’s liability.

30. Expenses

The trustees may use the charity’s funds to meet any necessary and reasonable expenses which they incur in the course of carrying out their responsibilities as trustees of the charity. 31. Amendment of trust deed

(1) The trustees may amend the provisions of this deed, provided that:

(a) no amendment may be made to clause 3 (Objects), clause 8 (Duty of care and extent of liability), clause 27 (Application of income and property) and clause 28 (Benefits and payments to charity trustees and connected persons) , clause 32 (Dissolution) or this clause without the prior consent in writing of the Commission; and

(b) no amendment may be made that would have the effect of making the charity cease to be a charity at law.

(c) no amendment may be made to alter the objects if the change would undermine or work against the previous objects of the charity.

(d)8 no amendment shall be considered by the Trustees unless it has been circulated to all the Ministers Provincial of the Order, and either they have all agreed in writing to the amendment or a period of two months has elapsed since it was circulated; any observations by Ministers received in writing by any Trustee shall be reported to the meeting at which the amendment is considered.

(2) Any amendment of this deed must be made by deed following a decision of the trustees made at a special meeting.

(3) The trustees must send to the Commission a copy of the deed effecting any amendment made under this clause within three months of it being made.

32. Dissolution

(1) The trustees may dissolve the charity if they decide that it is necessary or desirable to do so. To be effective, a proposal to dissolve the charity must be passed at a special meeting by a two-thirds’ majority of the trustees. Any assets of the charity that are left after the charity’s debts have been paid (‘the net assets’) must be given:

8 Amendment 2 paragraph 3 – text of subsection replaced (a) to another charity (or other charities) with objects that are the same or similar to the charity’s own, for the general purposes of the recipient charity (or charities); or

(b) to any charity for use for particular purposes which fall within the charity’s objects.

(2) The Commission must be notified promptly that the charity has been dissolved and, if the trustees were obliged to send the charity’s accounts to the Commission for the accounting period which ended before its dissolution, they must send the Commission the charity’s final accounts. 33. Interpretation

(1) In this deed:

all references to particular legislation are to be understood as references to legislation in force at the date of this deed and also to any subsequent legislation that adds to, modifies or replaces that legislation

(2) ‘connected person’ means:

(a) a child, parent, grandchild, grandparent, brother or sister of the trustee;

(b) the spouse or civil partner of the trustee or of any person falling within sub- clause (a) above;

(c) a person carrying on business in partnership with the trustee or with any person falling within sub-clause (a) or (b) above;

(d) an institution which is controlled -

(i) by the trustee or any connected person falling within sub-clause (a), (b), or (c) above; or

(ii) by two or more persons falling within sub-clause (d)(i), when taken together

(e) a body corporate in which -

(i) the charity trustee or any connected person falling within sub-clauses (a) to (c) has a substantial interest; or

(ii) two or more persons falling within sub-clause (e)(i) who, when taken together, have a substantial interest.

(3) Sections 350 - 352 of the Charities Act 2011 apply for the purposes of interpreting the terms used in sub-clause (2) above.

(4) “The Third Order” means The Third Order, Society of Saint Francis9 (and, for the

9 Amendment 1 paragraph 2 - changed avoidance of doubt, includes all its Provinces throughout the world). All expressions that are defined in the Constitution of the Third Order bear the same meanings in this Deed as they do in that Constitution.