Robert’s Rules for Church Struggles

One page of basics to have at hand at Convocation, Council, or Convention. Mark and highlight key sentences in Robert’s Rules on the pages given. Most of these have an accompanying post. Use the search box to find more on each point. To print without a bunch of header junk, select the text below on this screen and choose print/selection box.

>APPEAL Chair’s ruling on Point of order, point of personal privilege, judgment of voice vote (=call for Division). [more on this soon]
>DEBATE–ORDER IN: One person at a time has the floor; must stand and address Chair (not another member); must not get personal, but stick to substance; may speak only once unless no other members seek floor. These are so commonly known, you may not have to cite RRO.
>DEBATE, STOPPED or time-limited ALWAYS requires 2/3rds majority (For ending debate, see Question; for limiting time for debate–RRO 185)
>DIVISION:when challenge Chair’s judgment on voice vote. [more on this soon]
>POSTPONE INDEFINITELY: Allowed for killing a motion, but allows debate on merits of original motion. Majority vote.
>POSTPONE TO A DEFINITE TIME: To delay consideration until definite time. Could be requested for consultation. Majority vote.
>PRIVILEGE, point of (personal or affecting the assembly): Method to request immediate recognition of compromised rights and privileges. Stand without being recognized: “Point of personal privilege” or “…of priv. affecting the assembly” (RRO 216ff). Chair asks point and rules on request. May be Appealed (see) to house.
>QUESTION, call the–To end debate by 2/3rds vote: To request, must first stand and be recognized. IF minority isn’t being given adequate hearing (RRO XLVII), rise immed. with “Point of personal privilege” & cite RRO. Vote to be taken by standing (RRO 199ff); don’t allow voice vote. Rise immed. with “Point of order” on voting.
>TABLE (if used to kill motion)–”Point of order”–Out of order (RRO 202)
Approved alternative: Postpone indefinitely, but debate can continue on merits of main motion.