Interesting...

[LadyRev]

The other day, I received a magazine from another apostolic organization with which I have no association other than having names and mailing addresses in same UPCI directory prior to "their" departure from said org.

Now, I know what the big word is that is used when a pastor tries to steal saints from another pastors church, I just can't spell it. But I do believe that same word could be used with organizations trying to steal another orgs members same as it is used with churches.

Then of course theres the issue of snagging names and addresses out of a publication intended for only ONE org and not intended to be shared with another.

Just doesn't seem ethical to me. Besides, I'm not even sure they license women. Why would I want to receive their publications?

[rgcraig]

Proselytizing

It is NOT ethical.

However, if they have bought the mailing list not much can be done.

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by LadyRev

The other day, I received a magazine from another apostolic organization with which I have no association other than having names and mailing addresses in same UPCI directory prior to "their" departure from said org.

Now, I know what the big word is that is used when a pastor tries to steal saints from another pastors church, I just can't spell it. But I do believe that same word could be used with organizations trying to steal another orgs members same as it is used with churches.

Then of course theres the issue of snagging names and addresses out of a publication intended for only ONE org and not intended to be shared with another.

Just doesn't seem ethical to me. Besides, I'm not even sure they license women. Why would I want to receive their publications?

Is it wrong for Ford to send you a magazine about Fords if they desired even if you currently own a Chevrolet. Really what is the harm? Some will say nope Chevy has treated me good in the past I'm going to stick with them. Others will say, hey I like how these Fords look I'm going to give them a try. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not about building an organization on this earth. It is about saving souls and upholding principles. Who cares what organization a person belongs to.

In fact it could be argued just as strongly that since the gospel is not about an organization why would an organization about Christ not want to give its members every oppurtunity to find the perfect place to serve God. In other words theres just as strong of a case that the UPCI acted unethically by not freely offering the name and addresses of all their members to another organization that wanted them.

[oletime]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Proselytizing

It is NOT ethical.

However, if they have bought the mailing list not much can be done.

Except, dont you have to state that you will use it for upci business only ?

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by oletime

Except, dont you have to state that you will use it for upci business only ?

I don't know the answer to that.

[dizzyde]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

I don't know the answer to that.

The last time that I was involved with getting one, I think you had to fill out a form stating what the purpose was for the mailing and what ministry was mailing it. Something like that. I think.

[Thumper]

The ministerial directory is not a confidential document. Nobody signed a confidentiallity agreement when they received their directory. The membership role is public information. Now they can do what they want to prevent nonmembers from getting them but really what's the big deal. Don't like mag stick it in the fireplace or use it as a telescope when playing with small children but to make claim of unethical seems a little over the top.

[Sarah]

There are some good articles in the publication. However, we have no plans whatsoever of joining up with them.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by jfrog

Is it wrong for Ford to send you a magazine about Fords if they desired even if you currently own a Chevrolet. Really what is the harm? Some will say nope Chevy has treated me good in the past I'm going to stick with them. Others will say, hey I like how these Fords look I'm going to give them a try. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not about building an organization on this earth. It is about saving souls and upholding principles. Who cares what organization a person belongs to.

In fact it could be argued just as strongly that since the gospel is not about an organization why would an organization about Christ not want to give its members every opportunity to find the perfect place to serve God. In other words theres just as strong of a case that the UPCI acted unethically by not freely offering the name and addresses of all their members to another organization that wanted them.

The real problem here is that the WPF (or whatever unnamed org this is) has consistently said that they are not and would not "go after" UPC ministers and solicit their membership.

It's not like Lady Rev is getting Betty Crocker coupons in the mail when she prefers to bake with Duncan's cake mixes. As a UPC minister she and thousands of others are being solicited to join another org in contravention to the rules of the UPCI Manual.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Thumper

The ministerial directory is not a confidential document. Nobody signed a confidentiallity agreement when they received their directory. The membership role is public information. Now they can do what they want to prevent nonmembers from getting them but really what's the big deal. Don't like mag stick it in the fireplace or use it as a telescope when playing with small children but to make claim of unethical seems a little over the top.

The UPCI Manual forbids ministerial membership in another organization - just as almost every other major religious body. Signing the WPF's Application for Ministerial Membership would be a clear violation of the UPCI Manual.

While there can be benign reasons for sending out mass mailings, the very active proselytizing done by the WPF in the past, along with the deceptive communications they sent out at their founding, would tend to lead a reasonable person to conclude that their magazines are intended to serve a similar purpose.

And the UPCI Directory does come with instructions that it is not to be used to solicit for non-UPC related activities and events; or at least it used to. No signature is required, by receiving the Directory you acknowledge agreement to its terms of use. It works like the license agreement in any software that you receive, even free shareware.