Occasionally an
issue may be complex, controversial, dependent on
technical details, or emotionally charged so that significantly more
corporate preparation is required than can reasonably be
accomplished in Meeting for Business. In such cases the Meeting
should arrange a series of separate meetings. If technical details
are
crucial, study sessions may be in order. If matters are emotionally
charged or members need to be heard in a receptive setting, Quaker
dialogue or worship-sharing may be helpful. If extended preliminary
exploration is needed, threshing sessions may be appropriate.
Threshing
sessions derive their name from the assumption that through them
the chaff might be separated from the grain of truth,
clearing the way for later action on the issue. However, no corporate
decisions are made at such meetings.
The
Clerk or moderator of a threshing session is responsible for ensuring
that everyone has an opportunity to speak, drawing out
the reticent and limiting redundancy. Special efforts must be made
to see that Friends of all shades of opinion can and will be present.
To
the extent that Friends who hold a given view are absent, the usefulness
of such a meeting will be impaired. Knowledgeable
people should be asked to present factual or complex material and
be available to answer questions. A recorder should take notes of
the
meeting for later reference.