This doc serves because the core operational handbook and legislation e-book for a specific denomination. It outlines the group’s doctrine, social ideas, and the principles governing its clergy and members. It additionally particulars processes for church governance, judicial administration, and the conduct of ministry.
Its significance lies in offering a unified framework for perception and observe throughout the denomination. It ensures consistency in software of guidelines and ideas, guides the decision-making processes of church leaders, and affords a historic file of the denomination’s evolving stances on varied social and theological points. Updates to the doc replicate the continuing conversations and choices throughout the denomination concerning its id and mission.
The next sections will delve into particular facets of this key useful resource, exploring its construction, key provisions, and ongoing influence on the group it governs.
1. Governance Construction
The governing doc establishes the framework for management and decision-making throughout the denomination. It defines the roles, tasks, and relationships of assorted our bodies, guaranteeing an orderly and accountable system of administration.
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Hierarchical Group
The doc delineates the totally different ranges of the denomination’s construction, from native church buildings to regional conferences and the final convention. Every degree has particular tasks and authority, outlined within the doc. This contains defining the powers and limitations of every governing physique. For instance, an area church council may handle day-to-day operations, whereas the final convention units overarching coverage.
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Function of Clergy
The useful resource defines the roles and tasks of clergy throughout the governance construction. It specifies how clergy are appointed, assigned, and held accountable. Examples embrace outlining the choice course of for pastors, their phrases of service, and the procedures for addressing misconduct. The doc outlines the disciplinary measures out there for clergy who violate its ideas.
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Convention System
The convention system, comprised of regional and basic conferences, performs a central function within the denomination’s governance. The doc particulars the composition, powers, and tasks of those conferences. It dictates how delegates are chosen, what varieties of laws they will enact, and the way choices are made. As an illustration, the final convention may be chargeable for amending the doc itself, whereas regional conferences deal with issues particular to their geographic areas.
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Judicial Administration
The formal processes for addressing disputes and implementing its guidelines are outlined inside. This contains the institution of judicial our bodies, equivalent to trial courts and appeals courts, and the procedures for submitting complaints, conducting investigations, and rendering judgments. The main points specify the rights of accused events and the penalties for violations. This facet ensures due course of and accountability throughout the denomination.
The sides of the governance construction, as outlined on this key doc, are elementary to the denomination’s functioning. With out these clearly outlined roles, tasks, and procedures, the group would lack the required framework for efficient management, decision-making, and accountability. The doc serves as the inspiration upon which all governance actions are constructed, guaranteeing consistency and order throughout all the group.
2. Doctrinal Requirements
Doctrinal Requirements, as articulated inside this denominational useful resource, kind the theological bedrock upon which the group’s practices and beliefs are based. These requirements function a definitive assertion of religion, defining the core tenets accepted by the denomination and offering a framework for deciphering scripture and fascinating in theological discourse. The doc codifies these beliefs, establishing them as a guiding pressure for each particular person members and the establishment as an entire. With out a clear articulation of those requirements, the denomination would lack a cohesive id and threat theological drift. For instance, statements concerning the character of God, the authority of scripture, and the technique of salvation are sometimes discovered inside this part, instantly influencing the content material of sermons, academic supplies, and the denomination’s stance on social points.
The “Social Ideas” part of the useful resource is a direct consequence of the Doctrinal Requirements. The values and moral pointers outlined within the former are rooted within the theological foundations specified by the latter. As an illustration, a denomination’s perception within the inherent dignity of all individuals (a doctrinal place) could result in a dedication to social justice and equality (a social precept). Equally, the rules for Clergy Conduct are knowledgeable by the Doctrinal Requirements, guaranteeing that these in positions of management adhere to the accepted theological framework. The part on ministry pointers offers sensible steering for implementing the Doctrinal Requirements inside particular contexts of ministry, equivalent to evangelism, pastoral care, and social outreach. This interrelation ensures theological consistency throughout the denomination’s actions.
Understanding the Doctrinal Requirements and their influence is essential for anybody searching for to interact with the denomination. They’re important for clergy who should uphold these beliefs of their educating and observe, for lay members who search to grasp their religion, and for exterior observers who want to comprehend the group’s id. Challenges come up when interpretations of the Doctrinal Requirements diverge or when new theological questions emerge. In such circumstances, the denomination should have interaction in a means of discernment, guided by the doc itself, to keep up its theological integrity and be sure that its practices stay per its foundational beliefs. This ongoing means of interpretation and software ensures that the Doctrinal Requirements stay a related and guiding pressure for the denomination.
3. Social Ideas
The Social Ideas part inside a particular denominational useful resource outlines the group’s stance on a variety of societal points. This part capabilities as an ethical compass, guiding members and leaders of their engagement with the world and informing the denomination’s advocacy efforts. These ideas will not be merely summary beliefs, however relatively are supposed to translate into concrete actions and insurance policies throughout the church and past.
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Human Rights
The doc sometimes affirms the inherent dignity and value of each particular person, no matter race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic standing. This dedication typically interprets into advocacy for insurance policies that shield marginalized teams and fight discrimination. The sensible software of this precept may contain the denomination supporting laws towards human trafficking or advocating for equal pay for girls. In keeping with the tenets of the governing doc, these rights are considered as common and inalienable.
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Financial Justice
This part addresses points associated to poverty, inequality, and honest distribution of assets. The doc advocates for financial techniques that promote alternative and supply a security web for the susceptible. The denomination may help initiatives equivalent to microfinance applications, reasonably priced housing tasks, or advocating for a dwelling wage. The financial ideas replicate a dedication to stewardship and the accountable use of assets.
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Environmental Stewardship
The doc typically features a name to look after the setting and to guard pure assets for future generations. This precept acknowledges the interconnectedness of all creation and the duty to be good stewards of the earth. The denomination might promote sustainable practices inside its church buildings, help environmental conservation efforts, or advocate for insurance policies that tackle local weather change. This facet aligns with a broader theological understanding of creation and human duty.
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Peace and Justice
This component addresses problems with battle, violence, and reconciliation. The doc advocates for peaceable decision of disputes, justice for the oppressed, and the pursuit of reconciliation between people and teams. The denomination may help peacebuilding initiatives, advocate for nuclear disarmament, or work to handle systemic injustices. The dedication to peace and justice typically stems from core theological beliefs about love, compassion, and the inherent value of all human beings.
These Social Ideas, as outlined by a given denominational useful resource, present a framework for moral decision-making and social motion. They aren’t static pronouncements, however relatively are supposed to be dwelling paperwork that evolve in response to altering societal circumstances. They function a information for members and leaders as they navigate complicated ethical points and search to embody the group’s values on this planet. A cohesive and persistently utilized set of Social Ideas can powerfully influence particular person lives and contribute to optimistic social change.
4. Judicial Course of
The “Judicial Course of,” as meticulously detailed inside the useful resource, offers the formal mechanisms for upholding its requirements and guaranteeing accountability throughout the denomination. This course of is just not an arbitrary system, however relatively a rigorously constructed framework designed to manage justice pretty and persistently, adhering strictly to the ideas outlined within the doc. It’s the instrument by which allegations of misconduct are addressed, and by which adherence to the doc’s ideas is enforced.
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Initiation of Complaints
The method begins with the submitting of a proper criticism, sometimes by a member of the denomination, alleging a violation of the doc’s provisions. The method for submitting such complaints, together with the required documentation and proof, is exactly outlined throughout the governing doc. For instance, a criticism may allege monetary impropriety by a church chief, or a breach of moral requirements by a member of the clergy. The specifics for initiating complaints are outlined clearly with the intention to be sure that the judicial course of is triggered appropriately and justly.
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Investigation and Assessment
Upon receiving a criticism, a chosen physique, established by the governing doc, conducts an investigation to find out the validity of the allegations. This investigation could contain gathering proof, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing related documentation. The method ensures that each the complainant and the accused are given a chance to current their circumstances. The extent of proof required to proceed with formal fees is meticulously outlined within the useful resource, safeguarding towards frivolous accusations.
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Trial Procedures
If the investigation yields ample proof to help the allegations, a proper trial could also be performed. The trial procedures, together with the principles of proof, the rights of the accused, and the composition of the trial courtroom, are all outlined within the governing doc. The method is designed to make sure a good and neutral listening to, with the accused having the appropriate to authorized illustration and the chance to confront their accusers. The parameters for figuring out guilt or innocence are likewise articulated.
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Appeals Course of
Following a trial, both get together could have the appropriate to enchantment the choice to a better judicial physique, as stipulated by the governing doc. The appeals course of offers a chance to assessment the trial proceedings for errors of legislation or truth. The grounds for enchantment, the timelines for submitting an enchantment, and the powers of the appellate courtroom are all rigorously outlined. This ensures that the judicial choices are topic to additional scrutiny and that any injustices may be corrected.
Every step throughout the Judicial Course of, from the preliminary submitting of a criticism to the ultimate decision of an enchantment, is ruled by the provisions of the useful resource. This ensures a constant and clear system of justice, important for sustaining order and accountability throughout the denomination. The intricacies of this course of replicate the denomination’s dedication to equity, due course of, and the upholding of its core ideas.
5. Clergy Conduct
The ideas governing conduct for ordained ministers are explicitly outlined inside the denominational useful resource. This part of the doc is vital for sustaining moral requirements and preserving the integrity of the clergy and, by extension, the denomination itself.
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Moral Boundaries
The useful resource establishes clear moral boundaries for clergy, together with prohibitions towards conflicts of curiosity, abuse of energy, and inappropriate relationships. These boundaries are designed to guard each the clergy and the congregation from hurt. For instance, the doc could specify guidelines concerning monetary transparency, confidentiality, and acceptable pastoral care practices. Adherence to those boundaries is important for sustaining belief and credibility.
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Skilled Duties
The doc outlines the skilled tasks of clergy, together with their duties to evangelise, educate, administer the sacraments, and supply pastoral care. It could additionally specify necessities for persevering with training, skilled growth, and engagement in denominational actions. Success of those tasks demonstrates a dedication to the ministry and contributes to the general well being of the denomination.
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Accountability Mechanisms
The governing useful resource establishes accountability mechanisms for clergy, together with procedures for addressing allegations of misconduct and imposing disciplinary sanctions. These mechanisms are designed to make sure that clergy are held chargeable for their actions and that victims of misconduct have entry to redress. Disciplinary actions could vary from warnings to suspension or revocation of credentials, relying on the severity of the offense.
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Private Conduct Requirements
The useful resource addresses facets of non-public conduct, anticipating clergy to keep up a life-style per the values and ideas of the denomination. This will likely embrace expectations concerning private funds, relationships, and public habits. Whereas these requirements could also be topic to interpretation, they’re supposed to information clergy in dwelling a life that displays positively on their ministry and the denomination as an entire.
The requirements, tasks, and mechanisms associated to clergy conduct, are vital to making sure moral management and sustaining confidence within the denomination. Common assessment and updates to the doc are important to addressing evolving societal norms and guaranteeing that clergy are geared up to navigate the complexities of recent ministry whereas upholding the best moral requirements.
6. Ministry Tips
Ministry Tips, as a bit inside the required doc, function a sensible software of its doctrinal tenets and social ideas. These pointers instantly affect the actions of assorted ministries throughout the denomination. The doc offers a framework for the way ministry ought to be performed, guaranteeing that every one actions align with the overarching theological and moral framework established by the doc as an entire. The effectiveness of ministry is thus instantly tied to the understanding and implementation of those pointers, guaranteeing compliance with denominational requirements. For instance, pointers on evangelism may emphasize respectful dialogue and cultural sensitivity, reflecting the denomination’s dedication to each spreading its message and respecting numerous views. With out these pointers, ministry efforts might deviate from the denomination’s core values, resulting in inner battle and compromised effectiveness.
The doc’s Ministry Tips typically tackle particular areas equivalent to youth ministry, outreach applications, and pastoral care. Every space receives focused path on methods to apply the doc’s ideas inside these contexts. For instance, pastoral care pointers may define procedures for sustaining confidentiality and offering help to people in disaster, reflecting the denomination’s dedication to compassion and moral conduct. Equally, pointers for youth ministry might emphasize age-appropriate educating and making a secure and inclusive setting. These particular directions assist ministry leaders make knowledgeable choices and be sure that their applications are per the denomination’s general mission. Deviations from these pointers might expose the denomination to authorized liabilities and reputational harm.
In abstract, Ministry Tips characterize a significant element of the governing doc, bridging the hole between summary ideas and sensible motion. They’re important for guaranteeing that every one ministry actions are performed in accordance with the denomination’s theological and moral framework. Whereas challenges could come up in deciphering and making use of these pointers in numerous contexts, their significance in sustaining consistency, selling moral habits, and fostering efficient ministry can’t be overstated. They contribute to unity, accountability, and the general well being of the denomination.
7. Monetary Administration
Monetary Administration, as ruled by particular provisions inside the denominational useful resource, is essential for sustaining transparency, accountability, and moral stewardship of assets. The doc’s directives form how monetary operations are performed throughout all ranges of the denomination, guaranteeing that funds are used responsibly to help its mission and ministries.
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Budgeting and Useful resource Allocation
The doc stipulates procedures for creating and managing budgets on the native church, convention, and basic denomination ranges. It typically mandates that budgets be authorised by designated committees or governing our bodies, guaranteeing broad oversight. The useful resource might also specify how funds are to be allotted amongst varied ministries, equivalent to missions, training, and social outreach. For instance, it might define a components for distributing tithes and choices, guaranteeing {that a} sure proportion is allotted to particular denominational applications. Strict budgeting protocols are important for fostering monetary stability and stopping misuse of funds.
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Accounting and Reporting Requirements
The doc establishes accounting and reporting requirements designed to advertise transparency and accountability. It would require that monetary information be audited yearly by impartial auditors and that detailed monetary experiences be made out there to members. The useful resource might also specify the varieties of monetary transactions that should be disclosed, equivalent to giant donations or investments. Adherence to those requirements is important for sustaining belief and stopping fraud.
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Fundraising and Solicitation
The doc offers steering on fundraising and solicitation practices, guaranteeing that they’re performed ethically and responsibly. It would prohibit misleading or coercive fundraising techniques and require that donors be told about how their contributions can be used. The doc could specify guidelines concerning the solicitation of funds for particular tasks, guaranteeing that the funds are used just for the designated objective. Moral fundraising practices are important for sustaining donor confidence and help.
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Asset Administration and Funding
The doc outlines insurance policies for managing and investing the denomination’s belongings, guaranteeing that they’re used prudently and in accordance with its mission. It would set up pointers for choosing funding managers, diversifying investments, and avoiding conflicts of curiosity. The doc might also specify moral concerns for funding choices, equivalent to avoiding investments in corporations that revenue from actions which can be inconsistent with the denomination’s values. Sound asset administration is important for preserving the long-term monetary well being of the denomination.
These components of monetary administration, as dictated by the related publication, are interconnected and contribute to the general monetary stability and integrity of the denomination. A dedication to accountable monetary practices, guided by the doc, is essential for sustaining belief, supporting ministry, and fulfilling the denomination’s mission. Failure to stick to those pointers can have severe penalties, together with monetary mismanagement, reputational harm, and authorized liabilities.
8. Modification Course of
The Modification Course of, as outlined inside a given model such because the “e-book of self-discipline 2016”, is a vital mechanism for guaranteeing the doc’s continued relevance and adaptableness. It offers a structured method for modifying the contents to replicate evolving societal norms, theological understandings, or organizational wants. This course of is just not a easy process, however includes a deliberate and sometimes prolonged sequence of steps designed to forestall hasty or ill-considered adjustments to a foundational doc.
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Initiation of Amendments
Amendments sometimes originate from varied sources, together with native church buildings, regional conferences, or standing committees throughout the denomination. Proposals should be formally submitted, adhering to particular pointers outlined within the useful resource. For instance, a proposal may name for updating language concerning social points or clarifying a doctrinal level. Strict procedures be sure that solely proposals assembly sure standards are thought-about, stopping the modification course of from being overwhelmed by frivolous or unsupported options. The variety of signatures or endorsements required for a proposal to be thought-about is usually substantial, underscoring the significance of widespread help.
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Assessment and Suggestion
Proposed amendments are then reviewed by designated committees or our bodies chargeable for assessing their benefit and consistency with the doc’s general objective. This assessment course of could contain intensive analysis, session with consultants, and deliberation on the potential influence of the proposed adjustments. The reviewing physique then makes a advice, both for or towards the modification, which is forwarded to the decision-making physique. For instance, a theological committee may assess whether or not a proposed modification aligns with the denomination’s core doctrines. This stage acts as a filter, guaranteeing that solely well-considered and theologically sound amendments proceed to the subsequent stage.
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Voting and Ratification
The choice to undertake an modification sometimes rests with the final convention or an identical governing physique, the place delegates representing varied areas and constituencies forged their votes. The required majority for approval is usually substantial, equivalent to two-thirds or three-fourths, reflecting the importance of amending a foundational doc. As soon as authorised, the modification is ratified, which means it’s formally integrated into the doc. The ratification course of could contain further steps, equivalent to publication within the denominational press or distribution to native church buildings, to make sure that members are conscious of the adjustments. This step underscores the democratic nature of the modification course of and the significance of consensus-building.
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Efficient Date and Implementation
Lastly, the amended useful resource contains an efficient date, specifying when the adjustments come into pressure. Implementing the amendments could require creating new insurance policies, revising present applications, or offering coaching to clergy and lay leaders. For instance, if the doc is amended to replicate a brand new understanding of social justice, the denomination may launch initiatives to advertise racial equality or tackle financial disparities. The implementation part is essential for guaranteeing that the amendments are successfully built-in into the lifetime of the denomination. The main points might also embrace procedures for deciphering and making use of the amendments in particular conditions.
The described levels guarantee a deliberate, considerate, and democratic course of for modifying the doc. Amendments, rigorously thought-about and carried out, assist to ensure continued relevance. By offering a structured method to alter, the doc can evolve and adapt to satisfy the wants of a altering world whereas remaining true to its core ideas. The absence of a well-defined modification course of might result in stagnation, irrelevance, and even division throughout the group.
Incessantly Requested Questions Concerning a Denominational Useful resource
The next questions and solutions tackle frequent inquiries in regards to the objective, content material, and software of a key organizational doc inside a specific denomination. The intention is to offer readability and understanding of this useful resource, which guides its governance, doctrines, and moral ideas.
Query 1: What’s the main operate of this denominational doc?
This doc serves because the authoritative supply for the denomination’s construction, governance, doctrinal requirements, social ideas, and guidelines governing its clergy and members. It offers a unified framework for perception and observe throughout the group.
Query 2: How are the doctrinal requirements outlined and enforced?
Doctrinal requirements, articulated throughout the doc, characterize the core theological beliefs held by the denomination. Adherence is predicted of clergy and members. The judicial course of, additionally outlined throughout the doc, offers a method for addressing deviations from these requirements.
Query 3: How does this useful resource tackle social points?
The doc features a part on social ideas, which outlines the denomination’s stance on a spread of societal points, equivalent to human rights, financial justice, and environmental stewardship. These ideas information members and leaders of their engagement with the world and inform the denomination’s advocacy efforts.
Query 4: What procedures are in place to make sure moral conduct amongst clergy?
The doc establishes clear moral boundaries {and professional} tasks for clergy. Accountability mechanisms, together with procedures for addressing allegations of misconduct and imposing disciplinary sanctions, are additionally outlined. These processes assist to make sure moral management throughout the denomination.
Query 5: How are monetary issues ruled throughout the denomination?
The doc offers detailed pointers for monetary administration, together with budgeting, accounting, reporting, fundraising, and asset administration. These pointers are designed to advertise transparency, accountability, and moral stewardship of assets in any respect ranges of the denomination.
Query 6: How are amendments to the doc proposed and adopted?
The doc defines a structured modification course of, together with initiation, assessment, voting, and ratification. This course of ensures that adjustments are made thoughtfully and intentionally, reflecting the consensus of the denomination. A supermajority vote is usually required for adoption.
Understanding the content material and processes outlined inside this necessary useful resource is essential for all members and leaders throughout the denomination. It offers a framework for unity, accountability, and efficient ministry.
The next part will discover potential challenges and controversies associated to deciphering and making use of the ideas outlined within the foundational e-book.
Navigating and Making use of a Denominational Useful resource
This part offers steering on successfully using a particular version of a central denominational doc. Adhering to those factors can facilitate a extra thorough understanding and constant software of the useful resource’s provisions.
Tip 1: Perceive the Historic Context: Each version is located inside a particular historic and social context. Recognizing the problems and debates prevalent throughout its drafting can illuminate the intent behind explicit clauses and provisions.
Tip 2: Give attention to Foundational Paperwork: Familiarize your self completely with the sections outlining core doctrines and governance buildings. These kind the premise for all subsequent interpretations and functions of coverage.
Tip 3: Usually Assessment Judicial Selections: Seek the advice of summaries of judicial choices associated to the useful resource. These summaries present perception into how its provisions have been interpreted and utilized in real-world conditions, clarifying potential ambiguities.
Tip 4: Interact with Scholarly Commentary: Search out scholarly commentaries and analyses of the useful resource. These commentaries can supply deeper insights into its historic growth, theological underpinnings, and implications for modern observe.
Tip 5: Seek the advice of with Consultants: Search steering from denominational leaders, authorized counsel, or different consultants when navigating complicated or ambiguous passages. Their experience might help to make sure compliance and mitigate potential dangers.
Tip 6: Preserve Correct Data: Maintain detailed information of all choices and interpretations associated to the useful resource. This documentation can function a helpful reference level for future decision-making and assist to make sure consistency over time.
Tip 7: Keep Knowledgeable About Modification Processes: Monitor proposals for amendments and take part in denominational discussions about potential adjustments. This proactive engagement might help to form the longer term path of the denomination and be sure that the useful resource stays related.
Adopting these practices enhances the power to understand and apply a key denominational doc precisely and persistently. It helps sound decision-making, promotes moral conduct, and contributes to the general well being and vitality of the denomination.
The following part addresses frequent areas of controversy and battle associated to this elementary useful resource.
Conclusion
The examination of the Guide of Self-discipline 2016 reveals its multifaceted function because the denominational structure, code of conduct, and theological information. Its influence stretches throughout governance, moral requirements, and the each day operations of the church. Key parts equivalent to doctrinal statements, social ideas, and judicial processes demand cautious consideration to make sure devoted software.
Persevering with engagement with, and diligent adherence to, the Guide of Self-discipline 2016 stays important. Its provisions require ongoing analysis within the face of evolving social landscapes and theological developments. Accountable stewardship of this doc secures the denomination’s stability, promotes moral governance, and advances its supposed mission.
