Helping to Resolve Disputes - the Role of CCAM

by Lawrence Boo

Many Christians and churches may not be aware that the Graduates' Christian Fellowship (GCF) has a ministry to assist in the resolution of disputes, which may from time to time arise amongst Christians. The Christian Conciliation and Arbitration Ministry (CCAM) was started in 1989 as part of the ministry of the GCF to achieve this aim.

While some established churches may have internal disciplinary mechanisms, few, if any, have procedures for the resolution of disputes amongst its own members or between its members and other Christians, churches or Christian bodies. The CCAM aims to assist Christians involved in disputes with each another to resolve them through a two-tier process of conciliation and if that fails, arbitration. While Christian principles and perspectives are evident in the process, rights of parties are always respected and preserved.

Some examples of CCAM's cases include a Christian bookshop and church dispute; a Christian family business; partnership disputes involving a private school; references involving a pastor's termination terms and architect's fees payable from a church's building project. The number of cases referred to CCAM has thus far been relatively modest.

One common misunderstanding that seems to keep such references away is that a party who feels "wronged" often thinks that reference to a Christian body might mean that he would be expected to compromise his rights. Too often, such cases ended up in the civil courts with consequences, which were often not the most satisfying for all.

CCAM believes that disputes between and amongst Christians can best be resolved through conciliation and/or arbitration. This is consistent with the Biblical call for Christian disputants to refrain from resorting to the civil courts. Unlike civil litigation, CCAM conciliation is confidential, private and undertaken with the view to find solutions that will protect the interest and yield the best solution for both parties. CCAM arbitration is a swift and inexpensive process that determines the rights of the parties in accordance with the applicable law. Such awards are legally binding and are enforceable as any other civil judgments.

If churches and Christian bodies wish to avail themselves of this service, they should include in their contracts with Christian contractors, vendors and employees the following conciliation/arbitration clause:

" If a dispute, controversy or claim arises out of or relates to this contract, or breach, termination or invalidity thereof, and if such dispute, controversy or claim cannot be settled and resolved through negotiation, the parties agree first to try in good faith to settle such dispute, controversy or claim through conciliation. Any issue or claim not resolved by conciliation shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration in Singapore. The conciliation and if necessary, the arbitration, shall be conducted in accordance with the Christian Conciliation and Arbitration Ministry (CCAM) Rules Governing the Ministry and under the auspices of the Graduates' Christian Fellowship, Singapore".

If any Christian, church or Christian organisation would like the CCAM to help in settling a dispute, controversy or claim among Christians, please contact the GCF office.