First they lock out discussions about Jason’s exit. Now they appear to be locking out people from the AGM.
Members from the Chinese congregation, who have been attending the church for a number of years, find themselves in the process of being excluded from the AGM. These are members who have raised questions about what has happened to Jason.
If they are not careful, the Department of Justice may take an interest in this approach of keeping things private and behind closed doors, excluding parties who have been part of this organisation for a long time.
An injunction from the Supreme Court may well succeed, to prevent the AGM from proceeding. A mandamus may also succeed, to seek redress of Jason’s situation.
If they want to go down the legalistic path by excluding members from AGM simply because of membership roll hygiene, they should be ready for the spectre of a legal action for administrative recourse such as injunction and mandamus. Together with a certiorari of course – to declare their act against Jason to be wrong at law.
Chances are no one wants to go down that path. And that is a good thing. I am just seeing this legalistic approach to doing church, by excluding long-time members from AGM simply because of membership roll hygiene as a wrong and dangerous one.
And then there’s the tribal instinct kicking in. “I support Tham Fuan because…” shows this instinct clearly. “Dichotomy of (sic – between?) this group and that group” I wasn’t talking about either of those matters. I don’t subscribe to such tribal views of matters.
I have stood on the other side of the fence against Jason before. A number of times.
It isn’t about being on the side of Jason or Tham Fuan.
It is about whether what the leaders (including Tham Fuan) have done was right or wrong. Talking in terms of being on the side of Jason or Tham Fuan is being tribal. Being objective to see what the leaders have done is a better option. But no – the discussion has been shut down. Rally together and forge ahead. Stick to your tribe.
Being tribal means you follow and do whatever your tribe leaders say. You don’t think for yourself. You don’t see what has happened. You see what the tribe leaders want you to see. If these leaders forge ahead leaving questions unanswered you are ok because you are part of the tribe and sticking together as a tribe is important. More important than seeing whether what these leaders have done is right or wrong.
If the church is to be built on legalism and tribalism, then certainly they need to be fasting and praying.
Ante 