There are continuing rumors about changes that are going to be made in the elder arrangement. While these are still only rumors, I wish
to repeat that the Society must be under pressure to make legally motivated changes to the elder structure.
First, the appointment of elders seems to be much more direct than the appointment of most priests or pastors in common religions.
That might be a problem leading directly to the Governing Body.
More than that, there is a clearly defined hierarchy going up from local elders thru the C.O. all the way to the Governing Body - and
this is a risk in regard to future lawsuits. The Society has even acknowledged this "hierarchy" in regard to other legal disputes, such as
those involving property, so the matter is established.
I note that the rumors of changing the P.O. or reducing/eliminating the C.O. would fit into this matter, as to trying to break the chain of
command. Anyway it turns out, local control is reduced.
metatron