Below is a revised language proposal based upon feedback to the original language:
An individual seeking to profess Life Vows must submit a formal written request to the Servant Guardian, clearly stating their motivation for doing so, no less than four months (120 days) prior to the commencement of the upcoming General Assembly at which they intend to profess Life Vows.
Upon submission of the request, the applicant shall enter into a discernment process with a designated Companion Discernment Group, consisting of three Life Professed Companions: the Servant Guardian, one Companion selected by the applicant, and one Companion appointed by the Servant Guardian. This discernment process shall extend for a minimum duration of 60 days and shall conclude only upon the unanimous agreement of all members of the Companion Discernment Group.
Should the Companion Discernment Group determine that the applicant’s request for Life Profession is well-founded and discerned to be guided by the Spirit, the following steps shall be undertaken:
(a) The findings of the discernment process, along with the applicant’s written request, shall be formally communicated to all Life Professed Companions.
(b) A vote shall be conducted among all Life Professed Companions to determine whether to approve, delay (“not at this time”), or deny the applicant’s request to profess Life Vows.
If the applicant is approved for Life Profession, the voting outcome, along with the applicant’s formal written request, shall be shared with the entire community.
Request: Please provide any feedback you may have regarding the revised language via this blog posting by 10 pm EST, Monday, February 17.
This revision may help discernment. It may deepen commitment. It’s a piece of the effort we make to be genuine. Of course it won’t answer or solve everything; nothing will. But I like it. It’s not complicated nor bureaucratic.
I am in favor of the language above. One thing I would say is that it will not stop someone from leaving if they intend to do so, but it will provide an opportunity for deeper discernment prior to a commitment being made. Our community is not alone in dealing with the pain of departures after life profession. We can only do the best we can to support the individual in the discernment process.
Bro. Therese Mikel Francis.