According to our Rule, “all decisions are made by consensus” rather than by voting. [Rule, Part I, 3.10] While there may be organizations, such as the armed forces, or some businesses, where consensus- based decision-making would be impractical, presidents in our Conferences and Councils are neither bosses nor commanders; they are servants, not issuing directives, but seeking to fulfill the will of the members.

For many of us, having spent much time in organizations whose meetings are governed by Robert’s Rule, rather than the Rule of the Society, voting seems to come naturally. This habit can cause us to lose sight of how often the votes are just expressions of a consensus we have already effortlessly reached. It’s only when the issue to be decided is more complex, and there is more disagreement, that the advantages of seeking consensus become clearer.

In the commentaries to the Rule, the International Council General explains a key principle: “Is anybody cleverer or holier than the other members? We cannot be sure through whom the Holy Spirit will speak. … Light will frequently arise from the one of whom we expect the least…… A dominating leader will de
motivate some people, be a source of conflict and ultimately will harm the Society.”

Because none of us can know which of us is truly inspired by the Holy Spirit, we must listen to all, setting our egos aside, and understanding that our own way may not be the best way. After all, our virtue of humility reminds us that we can achieve nothing of eternal value without God’s grace. [Rule, Part I, 2.5.1] In order to arrive at consensus, then, we must seek His will, not our own, through a process of discernment.

In Vincentian discernment, we are asked to consider especially two sources of finding God’s will: people and events. By opening our minds and our hearts to each other, we hope not to decide who is right, nor to determine who “wins”, but to be open to the Holy Spirit, speaking through each of us, and in turn through all of us, united in seeking God’s will.

Consensus rarely forms around a single idea, accepted by all at the moment it is offered. It can be a lengthy process, requiring much patience by all involved. In the end, though, a decision that is supported by all, rather than fifty percent plus one, will be sustainable.

Through discernment and consensus, we are called not to unanimity, but to unity; to seeking God’s will together, and in this way, to continue “to journey together towards holiness”. [Rule, Part I, 2.2]

Contemplate

Do I seek first to impose my will in my Conference or Council, or to seek God’s will together?

By Timothy Williams,
Senior Director of Formation & Leadership Development
Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA.