Faith and Practice

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.>