Statement on the Open Meeting Policy related to the Unity and Diversity Conference The Layman Online Wednesday, August 4, 1999 The Open Meeting Policy adopted by the General Assembly in 1997 applies to all entities related to the General Assembly so that the work of the church may be done in a spirit of openness, trust and vulnerability to public scrutiny. Since reporters for the news media are present for this Churchwide Conference the Stated Clerk who has responsibility for interpreting the Open Meeting Policy, has been asked how the policy applies. The plenary sessions are educational in nature, intended to inform the whole church through the medium of open discussion. In the last plenary session the agenda opens up to discussion and possibly decisions on recommendations for continuing the conversation. All of the plenary sessions should be conducted according to the Open Meeting Policy. The purpose of reflection and dialogue in small groups is to provide opportunity for participants to share experience, hopes and feelings without the stress of feeling that what they say may be broadcast. Ideas and suggestions for actions or statements that emerge in the small groups will be reported and may be discussed in a plenary meeting later. The small group discussions may be closed to reporters at the choice of those present in that small group. Clifton Kirkpatrick April 26, 1999

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