Panel members announced for Commission on Accountability and Policy for Religious Organizations

The Commission on Accountability and Policy for Religious Organizations has announced the members of three panels that will advise the commission.

See my previous comments on the Commission for background here, here, and here.

The Commission’s website can be found here.

A short description of the Commission from their website:

In January 2011, the Commission on Accountability and Policy for Religious Organizations (“the Commission”) was established.

The purpose of the Commission is to facilitate responses to Senator Charles Grassley, member of the Senate Finance Committee, on issues related to accountability and policy for religious organizations.

Three panels were named to work with the Commission and provide input and proposals on the issues.

The panels, their members and my thoughts:

Panel of legal experts – member’s bios and pictures can be found here.

There are 23 attorneys on the panel.  A very impressive roster.   I recognize six of the members and know them to be extremely talented and well versed in legal issues for the nonprofit community.

Panel of religious sector representatives– member’s bios and pictures can be found here.

There are 25 members of this panel, a large number whom have financial backgrounds.

This panel draws heavily on representatives from the evangelical branch of the Christian tradition, but I am pleased to note that there are two representatives from the Roman Catholic tradition.  I am even more pleased to note there are four representatives from the Jewish tradition, two from the Muslim tradition, and two from the Hindu tradition.

(That comment on the composition of the panel is my professional voice. Pardon me while I put on my personal voice. . . . I am thrilled there is a large representation, approximately 1/4 of the panel, that is from outside the Christian tradition.  I think that is fantastic!  A warm welcome to all!)

Panel of nonprofit sector representatives– member’s bios and pictures can be found here.

This panel has 18 members. Only three of them are from organizations that would be considered to be a part of the evangelical community.  As best I can read the affiliations, that means there are 15 representatives from organizations that are outside the faith-based community.

In my opinion, it is wonderful to see the overwhelming portion of this panel is from the secular community.

Thank you to all of the panel members!

I may have a small voice, but I wish to express a public thank you to all of the members of the panels.  I personally appreciate your time and willingness to contribute to a private sector effort to improve accountability.

Thank you!