The frequent rise in the disputed related to Personnel and Property within the Salvation Army territories across India, pushed Army into problems. The laws concerning such problems have always demanded the Army Officers to have through knowledge to deal and to overcome such problems. Due to the limited knowledge of the Officers dealing such matters, the problems in the territories have become worsen, which drove territories into defence. In order to assist the territories in resolving such matters smoothly, the National Secretariat planned to equip the Secretaries for Personnel, Property Secretaries and Legal Secretaries of various territories with a thorough Training cum seminar related to Legal and Property matters. 16 delegates from 6 territories took part in this Seminar held at The Salvation Army Conference Centre, Surrenden, Coonoor between 16 -20 May 2016.
The seminar was commenced with Opening ceremony led by the Chief Guests, Commissioner Lalzamlova and Nu-i, International Secretary and ZSWM for South Asia. The Commissioner challenged the delegates to make the Army firm into Legal frame, with the Salvation Army's faith, Orders & regulations unaltered or affected. He encouraged the delegates, to see the Army maintain its Church status without losing its core mission, and to stand as legal abiding organization.
Major Patrick Booth, IHQ-Legal Secretary, the key resource person made the delegates familiar with the disciplinary rules concerning Army officers, and the recent development as part of the Accountability movement . He explained in detail about the procedural guidelines involved in the disciplinary actions against the officers and Employees within the Salvation Army. The Legal Secretaries role as to see that Army's Orders and Regulations to be followed in dealing such matters without leading to any complications, was elucidated so as to delegates to understand very clearly. In the lateral session, he explicated on the Property related legal issues, and how best the Army can protect its property without any room to legal disputes.
The other Resource person, Mr. M. Swarnakumar, Legal Advisor of ISET explained about Property documents and the need to preserve them carefully, and the techniques involved in careful documentation of property documents were very informative and useful. Different kinds of properties and the legal issues included in them were explained very clearly. Mr. S. Dr. Baiju Ramachandran, TSA Company Consultant in India, in his other session explained about recent changes in Company Law, and the Company matters related to Army in India, and legal compliances within the TSA Company were exposed for the better understanding of the delegates. The need to e-filling and various amendments in the Company law which the Salvation Army has to compliance with were clarified.
The sessions on every day began with powerful devotions led by Commissioner Lalzamlova, Major Patrick Booth, and Lt Col Daniel Raju whose meditations were focused on the responsibilities, and accountability and their legal frame work. Their biblical teachings in the areas specified motivated every delegate to make themselves fit for the purpose they were called.
The Closing session was led by Commissioner Nu-i and the challenging message by the International Secretary certainly made an impact among the delegates, to seek the kingdom of God, in the ministry they are serving. He drew the attention of the delegates to the passage from Genesis 1:28-29, which he stressed the spiritual truth related to Fruitfulness , Multiplication and subduing. He brought out the facts from Jesus teachings to be alert in overcoming the matters that obstruct the God's blessing words in Genesis. The delegates as a response to the altar call knelt at mercy Seat and renewed their commitment and covenant with God.
No doubt, this Seminar held in a very comfortable and inspiring location, undeniably made a significant impact among the participants in enriching their knowledge, elevating their awareness and filling their minds with useful and detailed information related to Property and Legal matters. It is the honour to delegates receiving Certificates from the Chief Guests as a token of participation. The delegates thanked the International Leaders, National Secretary, Key Resource person and other Resource persons for enabling them to acquaint with the current trends in legal and property matters. In order to cherish the God's creation and to enjoy the beauty of the Nilgiris, the National Secretariat made arrangements for sightseeing.
We pray the God continue to use the Army ministers involved in Legal and Property responsibilities to handle their tasks efficiently with the information they gained through this Seminar.
Captain Aseervadam Cheeli, Liaison Officer, All India Legal Seminar
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