Notice is hereby given that at the 16th Triennial Convention and 61st session of the Advent Christian General Conference, August 17-21, 2026, a special rule of order will be proposed concerning the consideration of the Proposed Declaration of Principles.
The proposed special rule of order will provide that the Proposed Declaration of Principles shall be considered as a single motion and shall be subject to adoption or rejection as a whole, without amendment from the floor.
The proposed Declaration of Principles has been distributed to delegates and constituent churches in advance of the convention to allow adequate time for study, discussion and feedback. The purpose of this procedure is to preserve the integrity, consistency and unity of the document as developed through the denomination’s established review process. (See rationale below)
In accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order and the governing documents of the Advent Christian General Conference, adoption of this special rule of order will require the vote prescribed by those rules. Affirmation by two-thirds of the voting delegates is required for adoption of this special rule and it will only apply to this proposed Declaration of Principles at the 16th Triennial and 61st session of the Advent Christian General Conference.
Delegates are encouraged to review the proposed Declaration of Principles carefully prior to the convention and to communicate any questions or concerns through the established channels before the matter comes before the assembly for final action.
Rationale for Considering the Proposed Declaration of Principles as a Single Motion
The proposed Declaration of Principles has been developed through an extended process of study, prayer, consultation and review. It represents an integrated statement of the denomination’s biblical convictions in which each principle is intended to be understood in relationship to the others. As a result, individual amendments offered from the floor could unintentionally alter the meaning, balance or internal consistency of the document.
The purpose of presenting the Declaration of Principles as a single motion is not to limit meaningful participation, but rather to ensure that delegates evaluate the proposal as the complete statement developed through the work of the originator, special task force and the broader review process. Throughout its development, opportunities have been provided for review, discussion and feedback prior to the Triennial Convention. Delegates therefore come to the convention having had the opportunity to study the proposal and communicate concerns before final consideration.
An up-or-down vote allows the delegate body to answer a clear question: Does this body wish to adopt the Declaration of Principles as presented? If the delegates determine that the proposal is not acceptable, it remains free to reject it, recommit it for further study or direct additional revisions through the established process. If adopted, the Declaration of Principles will represent a coherent and unified expression of the denomination’s convictions rather than a document modified through a series of floor amendments that may not have received the same level of theological review.
For these reasons, it is recommended that the delegate body adopt a special rule of order providing for consideration of the proposed Declaration of Principles as a single motion subject to adoption or rejection as a whole.
6 Responses
What is the process for recommitting?
“Affirmation by two-thirds of the voting delegates is required for adoption of this special rule.”
If there is not a 2/3rds acceptance of this rule does that therefore allow for amendments to the prposed Declaration of Principles during the Triennial?
Yes
I think the special rules for voting on this is a great idea. If it does not pass, will we still vote on the DOP one section at a time? And if so, will there be any special rules for voting on that for discussion as I can see that taking a great great deal of time.
If the special rule fails, then yes, everything is up for debate. Yes, this would potentially take an inordinate amount of time.
I would disagree with this rule change as there are parts of the proposed DOP that I and others disagree with, while other parts are great. If it takes time, so be it, as this is a large change for us. We as delegates have had no input in to it. Also, if taken as a whole, it needs 75% and many like myself who have issues with various parts will have to vote no. I think letting us amend it gives the greatest possibility of it passing.