This morning, Marylee and I concluded an hour long meeting with the Executive Director and Board President of the Fairbanks Rescue Mission. The meeting was called due to some apprehension about the vagueness of the “what we believe” portion of our bylaws.<\/p>\n
The initial write up of our stated beliefs were composed in a way to avoid doctrinal language. We did this on purpose. What people do actually defines what people believe. But this is not sufficient enough for the FRM. For reasons connected with their past history, and where they stand in the community today, it is important to them if they are backing us that we be more clear about being a Christian ministry, and more specifically, the statement of faith.<\/p>\n
For the Fairbanks Rescue Mission to sign the Letter of Guarantee required by the city–which states that the Fairbanks Rescue Mission will guarantee that FYA operates the emergency shelter for five years–they want our guiding principles and beliefs in our bylaws to be expanded. The current section 3 of our bylaws read as follows<\/p>\n
Article 3: Guiding Principles<\/p>\n
Proposed changes would have them read as follows: (FRM was not involved in the rewrite of these bylaws, however they offered us their statement of faith, which Marylee and I felt imperative to change and express in our own language).<\/p>\n
The motivational roots of Fairbanks Youth Advocates lie in the teaching of Jesus Christ, which are central to who we are and what we do as an organization. How one’s “faith” is lived out in practical ways is the true definition of belief.<\/p>\n
After lengthy discussion with Marylee, we both felt that although making the above changes presents a more doctrinally complex statement, it does enables us to move forward in a partnership with the Fairbanks Rescue Mission, thereby linking us with a tremendous resource, dedicated support, and wise council which is the fruit of many years of their labor.<\/p>\n
I personally have some philosophical differences with the Fairbanks Rescue Mission\u2019s board governance model, that requires all board members to accept the full details of such a faith statement. However, I also believe that what we and the at-risk youth in our community will gain by linking with the FRM is extensive and invaluable to our growth.<\/p>\n
Please take a moment to read through the above changes and make any comments or suggestions as necessary, inclusive with your vote. We need a 51% vote to make these active, and then the MOU can be signed. We hope to proceed quickly enough to meet the Monday City Council meeting deadline.<\/p>\n
If for some reason, you feel that these bylaw changes creates a conflict with your participation on the Board, we would like to discuss that with you at our next board meeting.<\/p>\n
Please respond as soon as possible here on the website.<\/p>\n
Thanks,<\/p>\n
Patrick<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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