transfer of membership
Ideally,
an individual should hold membership in the Meeting
where he or she is active.Where this is not so, there is a loss both
to
the individual and to the Meeting, as well as a failure to assume the
responsibilities of membership. Membership is based on function,
not sentiment. The love for an old Meeting is not transferable, nor
should it be. Friends anticipate that appreciation and love for the
new Meeting will grow through full participation in its life.
When
a Friend moves to the vicinity of another Monthly Meeting, the clerk
of Overseers of the original Meeting should write
promptly to the Clerk of the new Meeting, recommending the
member to its fellowship. Transfer of membership without undue
delay is encouraged, but it is not automatic. Because Meetings vary
greatly in style and character, transfer of membership deserves
prayerful and thorough consideration. Both member and Meeting
need to understand each other’s hopes and expectations to avoid
future misunderstanding. Therefore, the Meeting appoints a
visiting committee to share points of view and experience. The
member and both Meetings are involved. <The procedure for
transferring membership is outlined in Appendix 4c.>