CHRISTIAN COUNCIL FOR MONETARY
JUSTICE
Minutes of the annual general meeting of the
Christian Council for Monetary Justice held at Christ Church,
the John Marshal Hall, Blackfriars Road, London on Saturday 30th
October 2004 at 2.30 pm.
Canon Peter Challen opened proceedings with a meditation.
PRESENT Canon Peter Challen (Chairman), Janos Abel, Gian
Andreone, Peter Browne, Desmond Cumberland, Melvin Durrant, Edith
East, Lotti Henley, Julita Karol, Frank McManus, Donald Martin,
George Short, John Westwood and Colin J Whitmill.
APOLOGIES were received and accepted from fourteen people.
MINUTES The minutes of the meeting held on 8th November
2003, having been circulated, were taken as read and received.
There being no amendments, the minutes were agreed as correct.
MATTERS ARISING Peter Challen advised that John Courtneidge
had moved to Canada and had already started a North American Global
table discussion group.
REPORTS
CHAIRMAN.
Peter Challen said that CCMJ was working along a variety of paths
which the name CCMJ had made possible. An indication of the enabling
work through CCMJ viewpoint had been an invitation from the United
Society for the Propagation of the Gospel for him to write a 3,000
article on for Mission and Money for their Theological Briefings.
He was also to see a Church of England central officer whose remit
included economic affairs, but who admitted that the pressure
of emergencies meant he neglected the strategic reflection portion
of his work. There were windows of opportunity opening up to wider
avenues.Awall chart display on CCMJ Pathways illustrated the breadth
and richness of the inititiaves being undertaken by members and
associates.
In speaking to the report, Donald Martin asked that the displayed
notes of the chairman's address be distributed to members. The
secretary agreed to attach them to the minutes.
Frank McManus said the group was very fortunate to have Peter
as chairman. He asked that there be at least two mailings to members
a year.
TREASURER
Desmond Cumberland presented his report which showed income to
have been £340 for the previous year with outgoings of £330-94.
The interest gained in the year was £7-96 and had accumulated
to £42-59. The secretary said that the disposal of interest
had not been made as there had been no appropriate charitable
causes brought to notice to which CCMJ could contribute. It was
agreed that the CCMJ executive make the decision on the
disposal of the interest. Frank McManus asked that CCMJ not retain
the interest for any significant length of time.
The Treasurer's report was accepted, subject to final audit.
ELECTIONS
The chairman vacated the chair and it was taken by the Secretary
Chairman: Frank McManus nominated and Donald Martin seconded
Peter Challen for the position. There being no other nominations,
the Secretary declared Peter Challen elected whereupon he resumed
the chair.
Vice Chairman: Peter Challen nominated, Colin J Whitmill
seconded Ken Palmerton for the position. There being no other
nominations, the Chairman declared Ken Palmerton elected.
Treasurer: Peter Challen nominated, Gian Andreone seconded
Dr Desmond Cumberland for the position. There being no other nominations,
Desmond Cumberland was declared elected.
Secretary: Frank McManus nominated, Lotti Henley seconded
Colin J Whitmill for the position. There being no other nominations,
Colin J Whitmill was declared elected.
Co-opted members of the Executive: The chairman advised
that the Executive had co-opted
Andrew Dickie and Frank McManus. Frank McManus was to have special
responsibilties as CCMJ northern representative and have authority
to call a meeting of northern members.
NOTICES OF MOTION
Frank McManus moved That CCMJ declare a two year moratorium
on activities, other than membership building, and campaigning
against the 97% scandal. Views for and against this motion
were given and it was AGREED that the comments and views expressed
be noted.
Colin J Whitmill moved That, noting ambiguities and omissions
in the constitution of the CCMJ, the Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary
be delegated to prepare changes to the constitution, appropriate
to concerns expressed, for consideration at the 2005 annual meeting.
Various suggestions were made and noted before the notice of motion
was AGREED.
GENERAL BUSINESS
The chairman asked and the meeting agreed that CCMJ cooperate
with the Christian Ecological Link. The meeting also agreed that:
i) The Chairman be authorised to help churches in Brazil and Switzerland
establish an International Free Water Acadamy in Brazil by drawing
to their attention that money creation was a root cause of the
problem they were facing
ii) CCMJ formally relate to the Zacchaeus 2000 Trust as the 67th
NGO concerned with basic income standards and housing.
iii) The Chairman be authorised to write a 3000 words article
on Money and Mission for USPG.
i). Discussions take place on the future of the Forum for Stable
Currencies with the possibility of greater CCMJ involvement.
Edith East and Lotti Henly were keen to see CCMJ make press releases
for various Christian publications.
DATE OF NEXT ANNUAL MEETING
It was agreed that the next meeting take place on Saturday 29th
October 2005.
The meeting was declared closed at 4.15pm.
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